1961 Austin A 99 vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 99 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 99. (107 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A 99 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Because 1961 Austin A 99 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 1961 Austin A 99. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 99. (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 99. 2002 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1961 Austin A 99 has manual transmission. 1961 Austin A 99 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 99 | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | A 99 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 85 L |
