2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 62 kg more than 1999 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Tracer. (174 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
