1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 11 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (142 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Astra weights approximately 80 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.
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, 2001 Opel Astra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Tracer | Astra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2610 mm |
