1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 7 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Mariner (152 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 405 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 2004 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer. 2004 Mercury Mariner 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. 2004 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Tracer | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
