1971 Jensen Interceptor vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Jensen Interceptor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jensen Interceptor would be higher. At 6,286 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen Interceptor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jensen Interceptor (300 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jensen Interceptor should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen Interceptor weights approximately 674 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 1971 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 1971 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, 1971 Jensen Interceptor (556 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Jensen Interceptor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 1971 Jensen Interceptor has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1998 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Jensen Interceptor will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jensen Interceptor | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Jensen | Mercury |
| Model | Interceptor | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6286 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
