2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 vs. 1995 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 373 more horse power than 1995 Mercury Tracer. (127 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 128 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 Ford Shelby GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 497 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercury Tracer. (154 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | 1995 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Shelby GT 500 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
