1972 AMC Matador vs. 2009 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 37 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 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1972 AMC Matador. (255 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1972 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 192 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, 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, 1972 AMC Matador (468 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercury Sable. (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 2009 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | AMC | Mercury |
| Model | Matador | Sable |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 468 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5140 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 |
