1968 Ford 17 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 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford 17 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1968 Ford 17 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 Ford 17. 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 (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | 17 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
