1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1991 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 510 kg more than 1991 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | S | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
