1978 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-7 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7. 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-7 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-7 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
