1955 Bristol 403 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 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 2,314 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (111 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 75 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 Volvo 240 (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Bristol | Volvo |
| Model | 403 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2660 mm |
