1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 256 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 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1990 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Mercury Tracer | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Tracer | Jetta |
Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 173 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1396 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5180 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2580 mm |