1954 Bristol 403 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 50 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Bristol 403 weights approximately 755 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 403 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Bristol | Caterham |
| Model | 403 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2230 mm |
