1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2006 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2006 Toyota Prius is newer by 16 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, 2006 Toyota Prius (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota Prius weights approximately 200 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2006 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Tracer | Prius |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
