1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Fiat 131 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 10 kg more than 1976 Fiat 131.
Because 1976 Fiat 131 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 1976 Fiat 131. 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, 1976 Fiat 131 (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1976 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
