1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II weights approximately 18 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 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II 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 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II. (167 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mercury |
| Model | 3000 Mk II | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
