1992 Mercury Tracer vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1992 Mercury Tracer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercury Tracer (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 210 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Corolla 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 1981 Toyota Corolla. 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 (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1992 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mercury Tracer | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Tracer | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
