1973 AC 428 vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 135 kg more than 1973 AC 428.
Because 1973 AC 428 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 1973 AC 428. 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, 1973 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 393 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1973 AC 428 has manual transmission. 1973 AC 428 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 AC 428 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | AC | Mercury |
| Model | 428 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7002 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 639 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2760 mm |
