1998 Mercury Tracer vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1167 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 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercury Tracer | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
