1971 Ford GT 70 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford GT 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 70 would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Ford GT 70. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford GT 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 285 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford GT 70 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 1971 Ford GT 70. 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 (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 70. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 70 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | GT 70 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2510 mm |
