1968 Honda S800 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 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Honda S800 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 42 more horse power than 1968 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1968 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 426 kg more than 1968 Honda S800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Honda S800 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 Honda S800. 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Honda S800. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Honda S800 | 1999 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | S800 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 791 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
