1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 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 5 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 64 kg more than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Mercury Tracer | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Tracer | Golf |
Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 173 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1204 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2590 mm |