1953 Bristol 403 vs. 2001 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 48 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 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 520 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403. 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 2001 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 403 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 59 L |
