1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1970 Volvo 140
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volvo 140 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1970 Volvo 140. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1970 Volvo 140. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volvo 140 weights approximately 216 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1970 Volvo 140 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 Volvo 140. 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, 1970 Volvo 140 (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1970 Volvo 140 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1970 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Tracer | 140 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2610 mm |
