1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 200 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 | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2578 mm |
