1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 528 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 1971 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 1971 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Buick Riviera | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
Make | Buick | Mercury |
Model | Riviera | Sable |
Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 311 HP | 153 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Torque | 617 Nm | 251 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1512 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2760 mm |