1948 Bristol 401 vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1992 Mercury Tracer is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1948 Bristol 401 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercury Tracer (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Bristol 401 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1948 Bristol 401 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 1948 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer, 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, 1992 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 401 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
