1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1995 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1995 Mercury Tracer is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercury Tracer (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 90 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Chevrolet Vega | 1995 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
Model | Vega | Tracer |
Year Released | 1974 | 1995 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2285 cc | 1859 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1095 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4360 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2510 mm |