1998 Mercury Tracer vs. 1999 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1999 Nissan Laurel is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 250 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 1999 Nissan Laurel 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 1999 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1999 Nissan Laurel (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 1999 Nissan Laurel 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. 1999 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Tracer | 1999 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Tracer | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
