1998 Mercury Tracer vs. 1996 Porsche 911
To start off, 1998 Mercury Tracer is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche 911 (276 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Porsche 911 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Porsche 911 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 1996 Porsche 911. 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, 1996 Porsche 911 (650 Nm) has 477 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm). This means 1996 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 1996 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1998 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Tracer | 1996 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Tracer | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2280 mm |
