1955 Bristol 403 vs. 1956 Jensen 541
To start off, 1956 Jensen 541 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Jensen 541 (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Jensen 541 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1955 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, 1956 Jensen 541 (265 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1956 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 1956 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | Bristol | Jensen |
| Model | 403 | 541 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2670 mm |
