1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 184 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2520 mm |
