1955 Bristol 403 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 31 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, 1986 Ford Escort (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 403 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1955 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Bristol | Ford |
| Model | 403 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
