2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 10 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 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 660 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Caterham 7 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 2000 Caterham 7. 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 (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
2000 Caterham 7 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Caterham | Mercury |
Model | 7 | Tracer |
Year Released | 2000 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1839 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 127 HP |
Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 125 Nm | 154 Nm |
Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1100 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |