1998 Mercury Tracer vs. 2009 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 11 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 258 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Opel Astra (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 2009 Opel Astra 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. 2009 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mercury Tracer | 2009 Opel Astra | |
Make | Mercury | Opel |
Model | Tracer | Astra |
Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 173 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1398 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2620 mm |