1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 135 kg more than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Chevrolet Vega 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 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 1998 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 1973 Chevrolet Vega 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. 1973 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Chevrolet Vega | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
Model | Vega | Tracer |
Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2510 mm |