1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1994 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 3 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 1,857 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1994 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1994 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 441 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 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 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 1994 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Caterham | Mercury |
Model | C21 | Tracer |
Year Released | 1997 | 1994 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1857 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 153 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1095 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4360 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |