1979 Datsun Laurel 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 Datsun Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun Laurel would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun Laurel (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun Laurel should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun Laurel weights approximately 135 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 Datsun Laurel 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 Datsun Laurel. 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 Datsun Laurel (176 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Datsun | Mercury |
| Model | Laurel | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
