1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 1998 Dodge Ram
To start off, 1998 Dodge Ram is newer by 8 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 5,208 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Ram (223 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 1000 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Dodge Ram (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 1998 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Mercury | Dodge |
| Model | Tracer | Ram |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 5208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2790 mm |
