2001 Caterham Beaulieu vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercury Tracer (127 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 579 kg more than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1992 Mercury Tracer (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | Beaulieu | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
