1992 Mercury Tracer vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1992 Mercury Tracer is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 196 kg more than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1955 Sunbeam Alpine 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 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mercury Tracer | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercury | Sunbeam |
| Model | Tracer | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2480 mm |
