1962 Lotus Elite 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 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (87 HP) has 4 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 435 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Lotus Elite 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 Lotus Elite. 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 (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elite | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 87 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
