1959 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,636 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 260 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1959 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Chevrolet Corvette | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Corvette | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4636 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2510 mm |
