1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1116 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.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 2166 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3010 mm |
