1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Ford Ka
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2012 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Ka.
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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Tracer | Ka |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
