1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1958 Rover P5
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Rover P5 (106 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Rover P5 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P5 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Rover P5 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 1958 Rover P5. 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, 1958 Rover P5 (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1958 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Mercury | Rover |
| Model | Tracer | P5 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2820 mm |
