1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1961 Trabant Universal
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Trabant Universal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Trabant Universal 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 (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1961 Trabant Universal. (20 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1961 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 429 kg more than 1961 Trabant Universal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Trabant Universal. (44 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1961 Trabant Universal | |
| Make | Mercury | Trabant |
| Model | Tracer | Universal |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2030 mm |
