1998 Jaguar XK vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XK 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XK weights approximately 650 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Jaguar XK 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 Jaguar XK. 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 Jaguar XK (394 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XK | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mercury |
| Model | XK | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2510 mm |
