1991 Mercury Tracer vs. 1989 Skoda Rapid R
To start off, 1991 Mercury Tracer is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Skoda Rapid R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Skoda Rapid R would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1989 Skoda Rapid R. (62 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1989 Skoda Rapid R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 250 kg more than 1989 Skoda Rapid R. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Skoda Rapid R 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 1989 Skoda Rapid R. 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 (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Skoda Rapid R. (99 Nm @ 2850 RPM). This means 1991 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Skoda Rapid R.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercury Tracer | 1989 Skoda Rapid R | |
| Make | Mercury | Skoda |
| Model | Tracer | Rapid R |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
