1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 5 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 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (176 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 266 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1997 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Mercury Tracer | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
Model | Tracer | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3350 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 176 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 173 Nm | 278 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1406 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |