1955 Bristol 405 vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 405 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 9 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Bristol 405 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1955 Bristol 405 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 Bristol 405. 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, 1998 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 405 | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Bristol | Mercury |
| Model | 405 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
