1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry 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 @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 290 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 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 (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Tracer | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2400 mm |
