1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2008 Nissan Altima is newer by 11 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
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, 2008 Nissan Altima (245 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 2008 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Tracer | Altima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2680 mm |
