1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 700 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 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (373 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Tracer | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 5898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2700 mm |
