1955 Bristol 403 vs. 1980 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1980 Honda Ballade is newer by 25 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 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Bristol 403 (87 HP) has 20 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 403 weights approximately 439 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Bristol 403 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Bristol 403. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1955 Bristol 403 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade. 1980 Honda Ballade has automatic transmission and 1955 Bristol 403 has manual transmission. 1955 Bristol 403 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 1980 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Bristol | Honda |
| Model | 403 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2330 mm |
