1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable 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 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 515 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, 2003 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Tracer | Sable |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
