1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1961 Reliant Sabre 4
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 252 kg more than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 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 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Tracer | Sabre 4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 798 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2290 mm |
