1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
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 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Tracer | 3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2639 mm |
