1951 Bristol 401 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1951 Bristol 401. (72 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1951 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Bristol 401 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1951 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 1951 Bristol 401. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Bristol 401 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Bristol | Mercury |
Model | 401 | Tracer |
Year Released | 1951 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |