1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 280 kg more than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Sable is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable will offer significantly more control. 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 2009 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2009 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Gran Torino | Sable |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 78 L |
