1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 245 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Smart ForTwo 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mercury | Smart |
| Model | Tracer | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1820 mm |
