1954 Bristol 403 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 403. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 403 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Bristol 403 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 403. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 403. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Bristol 403 weights approximately 735 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 403. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 403.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 403 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Bristol | Caterham |
| Model | 403 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2230 mm |
