1953 Bristol 403 vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 475 kg more than 1953 Bristol 403. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Bristol 403 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1953 Bristol 403. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1953 Bristol 403 has manual transmission. 1953 Bristol 403 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 403 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 75 L |
