1972 BMW 520 vs. 1991 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1991 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 520 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
