1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 8 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, 1997 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 325 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Smart ForTwo 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1997 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Mercury Tracer | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
Make | Mercury | Smart |
Model | Tracer | ForTwo |
Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1988 cc | 696 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 60 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 173 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 2510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1820 mm |