1998 Mercury Tracer vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 10 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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 215 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 2008 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 2008 Toyota RAV4 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. 2008 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Tracer | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Tracer | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2670 mm |
