2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 610 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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 Chevrolet Corvette (544 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Corvette | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 544 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
