1954 Bristol 403 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 54 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 200 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 403 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 403 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
