1970 Lotus Seven vs. 1991 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 510 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Lotus Seven 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 Lotus Seven. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Mercury Tracer (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Lotus Seven | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Seven | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
