1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 126 kg more than 1997 Mercury Tracer. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2510 mm |
