1954 Bristol 403 vs. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 44 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 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (223 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 507 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 403. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis 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. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 403 | 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 403 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4603 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1732 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2920 mm |
