1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 84 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 Fiat 124. 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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 124 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2510 mm |
