1978 Ford Escort vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 225 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 1978 Ford Escort. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Escort | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Escort | Tracer |
Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 1839 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 127 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 154 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1100 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |