1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 832 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 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra. 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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Tracer | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2700 mm |
