1979 Honda Prelude 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 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Prelude 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 8 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 130 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2510 mm |
