1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1973 AC 428
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 AC 428 weights approximately 380 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 1973 AC 428 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 1973 AC 428. 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, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 493 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1973 AC 428 | |
| Make | Mercury | AC |
| Model | Tracer | 428 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 7002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
