1995 Mercury Tracer vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1995 Mercury Tracer is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mercury Tracer (127 HP) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 315 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. 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, 1995 Mercury Tracer (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mercury Tracer | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Mercury | Honda |
| Model | Tracer | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2330 mm |
