1979 Buick Estate vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Estate (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 820 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 1979 Buick Estate 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 1979 Buick Estate. 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, 1979 Buick Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Estate | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Estate | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
