2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 265 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 Lotus Elise. 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercury |
| Model | Elise | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
