2003 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 650 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 Hyundai Santa Fe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will offer significantly more control. 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 Hyundai Santa Fe (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1990 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercury |
| Model | Santa Fe | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
