1999 Mercury Tracer vs. 1988 Toyota Century
To start off, 1999 Mercury Tracer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,994 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Century (153 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Century weights approximately 660 kg more than 1999 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Toyota Century 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 1988 Toyota Century. 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, 1988 Toyota Century (289 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (174 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Tracer. 1988 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 1999 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1999 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Tracer | 1988 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Tracer | Century |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2870 mm |
