1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1997 Mercury Tracer is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 66 kg more than 1997 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Lotus | Mercury |
Model | Esprit | Tracer |
Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1988 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |