1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 17 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 285 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, 2007 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Tracer | Astra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2620 mm |
