1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1206 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 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 404 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2893 mm |
