2004 Ford Escape vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2004 Ford Escape is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Escape (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Escape weights approximately 318 kg more than 1997 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Escape 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, 1997 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Escape. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Escape | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escape | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1987 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1458 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
