1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Citroen C3
To start off, 2012 Citroen C3 is newer by 22 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, 2012 Citroen C3 (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Citroen C3 weights approximately 168 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, 2012 Citroen C3 (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Citroen |
| Model | Tracer | C3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1263 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
