2001 Ford Ka vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2001 Ford Ka is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2001 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 260 kg more than 2001 Ford Ka. 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, 1998 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Ka | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Ka | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
