1955 Bristol 403 vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1971 Mercury Comet is newer by 16 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 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Bristol 403 (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1971 Mercury Comet. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 403 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1971 Mercury Comet. 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 403 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2630 mm |
