1991 Mercury Tracer vs. 1979 Seat 131
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Seat 131 would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercury Tracer (88 HP) has 35 more horse power than 1979 Seat 131. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1979 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 130 kg more than 1979 Seat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Seat 131 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 1979 Seat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Seat 131. (94 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1991 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Seat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercury Tracer | 1979 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Mercury | Seat |
| Model | Tracer | 131 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2500 mm |
