1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1979 Volkswagen Iltis
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Iltis 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) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Iltis weights approximately 250 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1979 Volkswagen Iltis is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Iltis will offer significantly more control. 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Iltis.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1979 Volkswagen Iltis | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Iltis |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2110 mm |
