2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1992 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1992 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
