1991 Mercury Tracer vs. 1987 Opel Senator
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Opel Senator (178 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Opel Senator weights approximately 441 kg more than 1991 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Opel Senator 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 1987 Opel Senator. 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, 1987 Opel Senator (240 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercury Tracer | 1987 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Tracer | Senator |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2690 mm |
