2008 Acura RL vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2008 Acura RL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Acura RL weights approximately 134 kg more than 1997 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL 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, 2008 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer. 2008 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1997 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RL | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Acura | Mercury |
| Model | RL | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2510 mm |
