2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 11 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 225 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. 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, 1998 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Panda | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1107 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
