1999 Mercury Tracer vs. 1978 Subaru Rex
To start off, 1999 Mercury Tracer is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Subaru Rex. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Subaru Rex would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Subaru Rex. (29 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1978 Subaru Rex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 605 kg more than 1978 Subaru Rex. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Subaru Rex 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 1978 Subaru Rex. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 Mercury Tracer (174 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Subaru Rex. (42 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Subaru Rex.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Tracer | 1978 Subaru Rex | |
| Make | Mercury | Subaru |
| Model | Tracer | Rex |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1930 mm |
