1981 BMW 528 vs. 1991 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1991 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 528 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
