1988 Ford RS 200 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 RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford RS 200 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford RS 200 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 RS 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford RS 200 | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | RS 200 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
