1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1978 Volvo 164
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 164 (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1978 Volvo 164 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 Volvo 164. 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 Volvo 164 (204 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1978 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Tracer | 164 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3350 mm |
