1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS 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 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 405 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 2011 Lexus IS 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 2011 Lexus IS. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer. 2011 Lexus IS 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. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercury | Lexus |
| Model | Tracer | IS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2731 mm |
