1998 Mercury Tracer vs. 1980 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1980 Opel Ascona. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 130 kg more than 1980 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Opel Ascona 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 1980 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Ascona. (110 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Tracer | 1980 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Tracer | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2610 mm |
