1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 2010 Lexus IS
To start off, 2010 Lexus IS is newer by 13 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 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lexus IS weights approximately 602 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 2010 Lexus IS 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 2010 Lexus IS. 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, 2010 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 2010 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercury | Lexus |
| Model | Tracer | IS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2731 mm |
