1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 77 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1217 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
