1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is newer by 15 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 3,700 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (242 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Colorado weights approximately 560 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (328 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Colorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | |
| Make | Mercury | Chevrolet |
| Model | Tracer | Colorado |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3210 mm |
