1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 350 kg more than 1948 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1948 Fiat 500 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 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Fiat 500 | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 500 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
