1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1996 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1996 Toyota Starlet is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercury Tracer 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 @ 4400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 294 kg more than 1996 Toyota Starlet. 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 (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1996 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Tracer | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
