1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2008 Pontiac Solstice
To start off, 2008 Pontiac Solstice is newer by 18 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Pontiac Solstice (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 2008 Pontiac Solstice is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Pontiac Solstice (254 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac Solstice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2008 Pontiac Solstice | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Tracer | Solstice |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2420 mm |
