1975 BMW 1602 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 1602. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 1602 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1975 BMW 1602. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 1602. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 210 kg more than 1975 BMW 1602. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 1602 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 1975 BMW 1602. 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 1602. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 1602.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 1602 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 1602 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
