1999 Mercury Tracer vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 280 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.
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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (174 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Tracer | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tracer | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2680 mm |
