1956 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,784 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ford Thunderbird (209 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 95 kg more than 1956 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1956 Ford Thunderbird 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 1956 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable, 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. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1956 Ford Thunderbird has manual transmission. 1956 Ford Thunderbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Thunderbird | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sable |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4784 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 209 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2760 mm |
