1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (113 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 265 kg more than 1966 Ford Zephyr. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Ford Zephyr 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 1966 Ford Zephyr. 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 (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Zephyr. (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Zephyr. 2002 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1966 Ford Zephyr has manual transmission. 1966 Ford Zephyr 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:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Zephyr | Sable |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
