1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 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 3,783 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 400 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.
Because 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 2001 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Tracer | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3783 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2570 mm |
