1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 388 kg more than 2003 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Buick Riviera 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 Buick Riviera. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Riviera | Sable |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 85 L |
