1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
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 Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 160 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1981 Nissan Laurel 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (167 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Tracer | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
