1979 Holden Gemini 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 Holden Gemini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Holden Gemini would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1979 Holden Gemini. (66 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1979 Holden Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 105 kg more than 1979 Holden Gemini. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Holden Gemini 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 Holden Gemini. 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 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Holden Gemini. (113 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Holden Gemini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Holden Gemini | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Gemini | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
