1953 Bristol 403 vs. 2003 Noble M12
To start off, 2003 Noble M12 is newer by 50 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Bristol 403 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2003 Noble M12.
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, 2003 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 403 | 2003 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Bristol | Noble |
| Model | 403 | M12 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| 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 | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
