1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 382 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 892 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 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 2012 Jaguar XJ. 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (574 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Mercury | Jaguar |
| Model | Tracer | XJ |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5127 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3032 mm |
