1969 Austin 1300 vs. 1955 Bristol 403
To start off, 1969 Austin 1300 is newer by 14 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, 1955 Bristol 403 (87 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1969 Austin 1300. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Bristol 403 should accelerate faster than 1969 Austin 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 403 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1969 Austin 1300. 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, 1969 Austin 1300, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Austin 1300. (101 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1955 Bristol 403 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Austin 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Austin 1300 | 1955 Bristol 403 | |
| Make | Austin | Bristol |
| Model | 1300 | 403 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2900 mm |
