1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2005 Volkswagen Lupo
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Lupo 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Lupo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Lupo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 156 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Lupo. 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 Volkswagen Lupo (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Lupo 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 Lupo | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Lupo |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2330 mm |
