2005 Honda NSX vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2005 Honda NSX is newer by 15 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda NSX (241 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda NSX weights approximately 435 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 2005 Honda NSX 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 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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 Honda NSX (285 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda NSX | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | NSX | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |
