1970 Ford 12 M vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1992 Mercury Tracer is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1970 Ford 12 M. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 254 kg more than 1970 Ford 12 M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford 12 M 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 1970 Ford 12 M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1992 Mercury Tracer (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford 12 M. (93 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford 12 M | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | 12 M | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1305 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
