1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (117 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1981 Volvo 343 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 Volvo 343. 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 Volvo 343 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Tracer | 343 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
