1988 BMW 524 vs. 1991 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 524. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 524 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
