1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 14 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 288 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (127 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
