1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 130 kg more than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Sunbeam Alpine 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 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. 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 (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Sunbeam Alpine. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1990 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1970 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mercury | Sunbeam |
| Model | Tracer | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1970 |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
