1972 AMC Matador vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 AMC Matador would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (150 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 306 kg more than 1972 AMC Matador. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 AMC Matador 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 1972 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (333 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 AMC Matador. (332 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Matador | Sable |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 78 L |
