1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1974 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1974 Nissan Skyline. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1974 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 111 kg more than 1974 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Nissan Skyline 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 1974 Nissan Skyline. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Nissan Skyline. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1974 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Tracer | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
