1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Boxster (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 211 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 Porsche Boxster 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 Porsche Boxster. 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 Porsche Boxster (360 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Tracer | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1351 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4371 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1293 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2416 mm |
