1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat 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 29 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 170 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| 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 | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2480 mm |
