1987 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1987 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Escort.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Escort | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
