1998 AC Cobra vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 AC Cobra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 24 kg more than 1998 AC Cobra.
Because 1998 AC Cobra 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 1998 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1998 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 AC Cobra | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | AC | Mercury |
| Model | Cobra | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2510 mm |
