1971 Ford Cortina vs. 2009 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 792 kg more than 1971 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Sable (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina. 2009 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Cortina | 2009 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Sable |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 78 L |
