1985 Alpine V6 vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1997 Mercury Tracer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alpine V6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alpine V6 would be higher. At 2,848 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Alpine V6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Alpine V6 (158 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Alpine V6 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 30 kg more than 1985 Alpine V6.
Because 1985 Alpine V6 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 1985 Alpine V6. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1985 Alpine V6 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Alpine V6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alpine V6 | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercury |
| Model | V6 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2848 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2510 mm |
