1991 Mercury Tracer vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1991 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 136 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 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercury Tracer | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Golf |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2590 mm |
