2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 288 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 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 2006 Mazda RX-8. 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 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | RX-8 | Tracer |
Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1986 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 228 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 211 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |