1977 Fiat 131 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 131 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 (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 75 kg more than 1977 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 131 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
