1971 Lotus Elan 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 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 180 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1971 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 1971 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elan | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
