1990 Mercury Tracer vs. 2012 Ford E-150
To start off, 2012 Ford E-150 is newer by 22 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford E-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford E-150 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (88 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford E-150 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford E-150 weights approximately 1561 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 2012 Ford E-150 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 2012 Ford E-150. 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, 2012 Ford E-150 (387 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Tracer. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford E-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Tracer | 2012 Ford E-150 | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Tracer | E-150 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 2611 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 2085 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3505 mm |
