1949 Jensen Interceptor vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Jensen Interceptor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Jensen Interceptor would be higher. At 3,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1949 Jensen Interceptor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Jensen Interceptor (130 HP @ 3700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 Jensen Interceptor should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Jensen Interceptor weights approximately 359 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Jensen Interceptor 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 1949 Jensen Interceptor. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1949 Jensen Interceptor (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1949 Jensen Interceptor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Jensen Interceptor | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Jensen | Mercury |
| Model | Interceptor | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3990 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
