1951 Ford Vedette vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1997 Mercury Tracer is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Vedette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Vedette would be higher. At 2,158 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Ford Vedette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1951 Ford Vedette. (66 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Vedette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 12 kg more than 1951 Ford Vedette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Ford Vedette 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 Ford Vedette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Vedette. (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Vedette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Vedette | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Vedette | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2158 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2510 mm |
