1981 Ford Capri vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 155 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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 (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Capri | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
