1998 Mercury Tracer vs. 1983 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 570 kg more than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Mitsubishi Minica 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 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. 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 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica. (40 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Mitsubishi Minica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Tracer | 1983 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Tracer | Minica |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2060 mm |
