1999 Mercury Tracer vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 7 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 246 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, 2006 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (174 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Tracer | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Tracer | Astra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 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 | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2620 mm |
