1954 Bristol 403 vs. 1956 Citroen DS
To start off, 1956 Citroen DS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Bristol 403 (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1956 Citroen DS. (74 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1956 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Bristol 403 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1956 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Bristol 403. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1956 Citroen DS, 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, 1954 Bristol 403 (146 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Citroen DS. (137 Nm). This means 1954 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 403 | 1956 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Bristol | Citroen |
| Model | 403 | DS |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3130 mm |
