1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (170 HP) has 43 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 397 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 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Forester (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mercury | Subaru |
| Model | Tracer | Forester |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1497 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2616 mm |
