2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1992 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1992 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 756 kg more than 1992 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 Mercury Tracer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1992 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Nitro | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2768 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
