2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1995 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1995 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 70 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1995 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1995 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
