1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1979 Porsche 924
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Porsche 924. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Porsche 924 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Porsche 924 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Porsche 924 (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Porsche 924 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Porsche 924 weights approximately 84 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 1979 Porsche 924 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 1979 Porsche 924. 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, 1979 Porsche 924 (280 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Porsche 924 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1979 Porsche 924 | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Tracer | 924 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1179 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
