1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 50 kg more than 2002 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Fairlane | Sable |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
