2006 Honda Element vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2006 Honda Element 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 942 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 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Element | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
