1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1971 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (88 HP) has 29 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Rekord weights approximately 50 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1971 Opel Rekord 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 1971 Opel Rekord. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1971 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Tracer | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2680 mm |
