1955 Austin A 55 vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1997 Mercury Tracer is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 85 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Austin A 55 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 1955 Austin A 55. 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | A 55 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
