1972 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 475 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 1972 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 1972 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | Riviera | Sable |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 68 L |
