1988 Ford Mustang vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 154 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1988 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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 Ford Mustang (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mustang | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2510 mm |
