1954 Bristol 403 vs. 1983 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1983 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 29 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 75 kg more than 1954 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, 1983 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 403 | 1983 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Bristol | Reliant |
| Model | 403 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2640 mm |
