1996 BMW 535 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 535 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 1996 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 535 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
