1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1992 Mercury Tracer is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1992 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 596 kg more than 1992 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Mirada | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
