1971 Chevrolet Vega 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 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 560 kg more than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Vega 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 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 2003 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Vega | Sable |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 68 L |
