1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1955 Bristol 403
To start off, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is newer by 7 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 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 403. (87 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 403 weights approximately 67 kg more than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
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, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1955 Bristol 403 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Bristol |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | 403 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2900 mm |
