2003 Mazda Tribute vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2003 Mazda Tribute 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Tribute (122 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 355 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 Mazda Tribute 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 Mazda Tribute 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 Mazda Tribute (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Tribute | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | Tribute | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
