1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 1970 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1997 Mercury Tracer is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1970 Toyota Carina. (86 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1970 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 240 kg more than 1970 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Toyota Carina 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 1970 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Toyota Carina. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 1970 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Tracer | Carina |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1405 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2430 mm |
