1971 BMW 3 vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Sable (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 185 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 BMW 3 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 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1999 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
Make | BMW | Mercury |
Model | 3 | Sable |
Year Released | 1971 | 1999 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 254 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1565 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2760 mm |