1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 21 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (122 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 255 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.
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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (154 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Mercury | Chevrolet |
| Model | Tracer | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2685 mm |
