1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS is newer by 23 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac CTS (314 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 628 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 2013 Cadillac CTS 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 2013 Cadillac CTS. 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, 2013 Cadillac CTS (373 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer. 2013 Cadillac CTS 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. 2013 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2013 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Mercury | Cadillac |
| Model | Tracer | CTS |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 314 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4788 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1442 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2880 mm |
