1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 180 kg more than 1980 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 (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2480 mm |
