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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Outback (162 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 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 295 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 @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 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 | 1986 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
