1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 12 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
