1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 155 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Tracer | Corona |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2530 mm |
