1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo 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 (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 325 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Polo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2480 mm |
