1994 Mercury Tracer vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1994 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1994 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 136 kg more than 1994 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mercury Tracer | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1857 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
