1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2010 BMW 125
To start off, 2010 BMW 125 is newer by 20 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 125 weights approximately 180 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 2010 BMW 125 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 2010 BMW 125. 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, 2010 BMW 125 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer. 2010 BMW 125 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. 2010 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2010 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Mercury | BMW |
| Model | Tracer | 125 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
