1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 211 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Lotus | Mercury |
Model | Elan | Tracer |
Year Released | 1969 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1839 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 127 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 154 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1100 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |