1955 Bristol 403 vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 26 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 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 530 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, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Bristol | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 403 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3030 mm |
