1988 Ford Meteor vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Meteor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Meteor 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 38 more horse power than 1988 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Meteor.
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 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Meteor | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Meteor | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
