1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2003 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2003 Subaru Outback 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 2,456 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Outback (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Outback weights approximately 465 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2003 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Mercury | Subaru |
| Model | Tracer | Outback |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
