1953 Bristol 403 vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige 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 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Bristol 403 weights approximately 445 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
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 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Bristol | Lotus |
| Model | 403 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 36 L |
