1999 GMC Safari vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1999 GMC Safari is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 4,291 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 815 kg more than 1997 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 GMC Safari 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 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer. 1999 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1997 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Safari | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2510 mm |
