2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 6,198 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 342 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 211 kg more than 1990 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2009 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 429 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Corvette | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6198 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
