1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1992 Mercury Tracer is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1992 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 555 kg more than 1992 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
