1981 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 255 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 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. 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 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2510 mm |
