1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 12 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 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (176 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 306 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Tracer | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |
