1976 Ford Taunus 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 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 15 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 Ford Taunus. 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 (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taunus | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2510 mm |
