1983 Mercury Lynx vs. 2012 SSC Tuatara
To start off, 2012 SSC Tuatara is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercury Lynx would be higher. At 6,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 SSC Tuatara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 SSC Tuatara (1,350 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 1299 more horse power than 1983 Mercury Lynx. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 SSC Tuatara should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 SSC Tuatara weights approximately 197 kg more than 1983 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 SSC Tuatara 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 2012 SSC Tuatara. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Mercury Lynx, 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, 2012 SSC Tuatara (1,042 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 931 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mercury Lynx. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 SSC Tuatara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Mercury Lynx | 2012 SSC Tuatara | |
| Make | Mercury | SSC |
| Model | Lynx | Tuatara |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 6932 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 1350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 1042 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1991 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1092 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2667 mm |
