1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 476 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 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1990 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Tracer | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
