2008 Audi S4 vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2008 Audi S4 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 4,161 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Audi S4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi S4 (340 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi S4 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1998 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Audi S4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi S4 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 Audi S4 (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Audi S4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 2008 Audi S4 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercury Tracer has manual transmission. 1998 Mercury Tracer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi S4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S4 | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | S4 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4161 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
