1968 Austin 3-Litre vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Austin 3-Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Austin 3-Litre would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. (124 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 20 kg more than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Austin 3-Litre 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 1968 Austin 3-Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Austin 3-Litre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Austin 3-Litre | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | 3-Litre | Sable |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| 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 | 124 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 85 L |
