1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 1 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1997 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mazda 323 | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | 323 | Tracer |
Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1988 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 88 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 134 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |