1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1065 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.
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, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 372 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Tracer | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3110 mm |
