1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla 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) has 35 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 270 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Tracer | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
