1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2002 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2002 TVR Chimaera 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 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 TVR Chimaera (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 40 kg more than 2002 TVR Chimaera.
Because 2002 TVR Chimaera 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 2002 TVR Chimaera. 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, 2002 TVR Chimaera (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2002 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Mercury | TVR |
| Model | Tracer | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 4546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2290 mm |
