1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1978 Tatra T613
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Tatra T613. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Tatra T613 would be higher. At 3,495 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Tatra T613 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Tatra T613 (167 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Tatra T613 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Tatra T613 weights approximately 592 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 1978 Tatra T613 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 1978 Tatra T613. 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, 1978 Tatra T613 (270 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Tatra T613 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1978 Tatra T613 | |
| Make | Mercury | Tatra |
| Model | Tracer | T613 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2990 mm |
