1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1997 Mercury Tracer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 630 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 1991 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | Super 7 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
