2005 Cadillac CTS vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2005 Cadillac CTS is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac CTS (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 590 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Cadillac CTS 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 2005 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2005 Cadillac CTS (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac CTS | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercury |
| Model | CTS | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 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 | 536 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2510 mm |
