1998 Lotus 340 R vs. 2000 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2000 Mercury Tracer is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus 340 R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus 340 R would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus 340 R (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus 340 R should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 465 kg more than 1998 Lotus 340 R.
Because 1998 Lotus 340 R 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 Lotus 340 R. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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 Lotus 340 R (198 Nm) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm). This means 1998 Lotus 340 R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus 340 R | 2000 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | 340 R | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2510 mm |
