1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2003 Porsche 996
To start off, 2003 Porsche 996 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche 996 weights approximately 470 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.
Because 2003 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2003 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Tracer | 996 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2360 mm |
