1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2004 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2004 Nissan Xterra is newer by 14 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 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 489 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 2004 Nissan Xterra 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, 2004 Nissan Xterra 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, 2004 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2004 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Tracer | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
