1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2003 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Honda Civic is newer by 13 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, 2003 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Civic weights approximately 40 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2003 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mercury | Honda |
| Model | Tracer | Civic |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
