2003 Mazda 6 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 290 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda 6 (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 6 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
