1968 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1999 Mercury Tracer is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 310 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mercury Tracer (174 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1999 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2510 mm |
