2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 5 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 640 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | 7 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2510 mm |
