1955 Bristol 403 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 48 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 2,685 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (176 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 605 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 403 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 403 | E |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2840 mm |
