1954 Bristol 403 vs. 1973 Chevrolet Vega
To start off, 1973 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 19 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 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Bristol 403 (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Bristol 403 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 403. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1954 Bristol 403 has manual transmission. 1954 Bristol 403 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 403 | 1973 Chevrolet Vega | |
| Make | Bristol | Chevrolet |
| Model | 403 | Vega |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2480 mm |
