1981 Lotus Esprit 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 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 73 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Lotus | Mercury |
Model | Esprit | Tracer |
Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 159 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2510 mm |