1968 Datsun 1800 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Datsun 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Datsun 1800 would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Datsun 1800 (106 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Datsun 1800 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 129 kg more than 1968 Datsun 1800.
Because 1968 Datsun 1800 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 1968 Datsun 1800. 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, 1968 Datsun 1800 (156 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1968 Datsun 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Datsun 1800 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Datsun | Mercury |
| Model | 1800 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1816 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
