1988 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1999 Mercury Tracer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1999 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, both vehicles can yield 174 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1999 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1999 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 520 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
