1974 Holden Statesman vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Holden Statesman (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 30 kg more than 1974 Holden Statesman.
Because 1974 Holden Statesman 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 1974 Holden Statesman. 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, 1974 Holden Statesman (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Sable. 2002 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1974 Holden Statesman has manual transmission. 1974 Holden Statesman will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Holden Statesman | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Statesman | Sable |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
