1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1977 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Opel Kadett (108 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 200 kg more than 1977 Opel Kadett.
Because 1977 Opel Kadett 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 1977 Opel Kadett. 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, 1977 Opel Kadett (162 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1977 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1977 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Tracer | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2430 mm |
