My new Florida ride 2001 bone stock ZR2 Chevy Tracker.
just got it 1 week ago.
I first had a black '96 Tracker, then traded up to a new '03 exactly identical to yours (mine was 5-speed), so I know where you're coming from. I peeled off the splashy "ZR-2" stickers as soon as I got it home. I loved the stock wheels, but the 15" wouldn't fit when I did the drivetrain upgrade.
To answer your earlier question, there are significant differences between the Track-Kick (like your '95) and Track-Vit (like your new one) trucks so, outside of some differential bits, not much is interchangeable. The aftermarket is still stronger for the older models, but it's slowly coming around for the later generation.
I liked how light the '96 felt, but the newer truck is so much quieter and smoother that I really do like it a lot more...even when it was stock.
Upgrade your stereo and speakers, just a little. Nothing expensive. You'll appreciate it.