1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1141 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 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1990 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2281 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2860 mm |
