1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 15 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 100 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.
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, 2005 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Mercury | Saturn |
| Model | Tracer | ION |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
