1972 AMC Matador vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Matador would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 594 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 AMC Matador 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 1972 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1972 AMC Matador (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 1972 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1998 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 AMC Matador | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | AMC | Mercury |
Model | Matador | Tracer |
Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 255 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 468 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2510 mm |