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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (67 HP @ 5200 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 6 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 (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (115 Nm @ 2700 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 | 1593 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1050 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 |
