2008 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 222 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1997 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
