1988 Lotus Esprit 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 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 81 kg more than 1991 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 Lotus Esprit. 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 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Lotus Esprit | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Lotus | Mercury |
Model | Esprit | Tracer |
Year Released | 1988 | 1991 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1859 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 172 HP | 88 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1095 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4360 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |