1955 Bristol 403 vs. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 47 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 310 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.
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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 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. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Bristol | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 403 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2600 mm |
