2002 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 10 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 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1992 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 1050 kg more than 1992 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Chevrolet SSR 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 2002 Chevrolet SSR. 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, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet SSR | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | SSR | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
