1992 Mercury Tracer vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1992 Mercury Tracer is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 76 kg more than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Because 1978 Fiat 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 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1992 Mercury Tracer (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1992 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mercury Tracer | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Mercury | Fiat |
| Model | Tracer | 131 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2500 mm |
