1972 Mazda RX-2 vs. 2000 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2000 Mercury Tracer is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1972 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 180 kg more than 1972 Mazda RX-2.
Because 1972 Mazda RX-2 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 Mazda RX-2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mazda RX-2 | 2000 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-2 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2510 mm |
