1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 603 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Pontiac Firebird 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 1972 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Tracer | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |
