1971 BMW 3 vs. 2000 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2000 Mercury Sable is newer by 29 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, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercury Sable weights approximately 185 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
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, 2000 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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Sable. 2000 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. 2000 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2000 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2000 |
| 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 | 200 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
