2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus X (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 33 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus X 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 Ford Taurus X 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 Ford Taurus X (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercury Tracer. 2008 Ford Taurus X 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 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus X | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
