2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 16 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), 2006 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW Z4 weights approximately 785 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 2006 BMW Z4 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 2006 BMW Z4. 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, 2006 BMW Z4 (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | Z4 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
