1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 10 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 305 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1226 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 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3010 mm |
