1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2009 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2009 Panoz Esperante is newer by 19 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 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Because 2009 Panoz Esperante 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 2009 Panoz Esperante. 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, 2009 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2009 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Mercury | Panoz |
| Model | Tracer | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2700 mm |
