1997 Dodge Dakota vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1997 Dodge Dakota is newer by 7 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 480 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 1997 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Dakota | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2510 mm |
