1990 BMW 316 vs. 1991 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 15 kg more than 1990 BMW 316.
Because 1990 BMW 316 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 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1991 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1991 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1991 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 316 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
