1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2003 TVR Griffith
To start off, 2003 TVR Griffith 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 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 TVR Griffith is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 TVR Griffith (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 TVR Griffith should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 TVR Griffith weights approximately 10 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 TVR Griffith is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 TVR Griffith. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 TVR Griffith (484 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 TVR Griffith will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2003 TVR Griffith | |
| Make | Mercury | TVR |
| Model | Tracer | Griffith |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 4987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 484 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2290 mm |
