1959 Chevrolet Corvair vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Chevrolet Corvair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Chevrolet Corvair would be higher. At 2,286 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Chevrolet Corvair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1959 Chevrolet Corvair. (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1959 Chevrolet Corvair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Chevrolet Corvair weights approximately 20 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1959 Chevrolet Corvair 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 1959 Chevrolet Corvair. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Chevrolet Corvair | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Corvair | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2286 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |
