1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1969 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Toyota Publica 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 50 more horse power than 1969 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1969 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 372 kg more than 1969 Toyota Publica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Toyota Publica 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 1969 Toyota Publica. 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 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Toyota Publica. (62 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1969 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Tracer | Publica |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 678 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2170 mm |
