1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1999 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1999 Mercury Tracer is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 390 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Because 1957 Lotus Seven 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 1957 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mercury Tracer (174 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1999 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Seven | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2510 mm |
