1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 1980 Renault Fuego
To start off, 1997 Mercury Tracer is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault Fuego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault Fuego 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 13 more horse power than 1980 Renault Fuego. (96 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault Fuego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 130 kg more than 1980 Renault Fuego. 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, 1997 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault Fuego. (134 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault Fuego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 1980 Renault Fuego | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Tracer | Fuego |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
