2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1995 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1995 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 314 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1995 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elise | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
