1974 Lincoln Continental vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,541 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 820 kg more than 2001 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lincoln Continental 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 Lincoln Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Sable. (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1974 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lincoln Continental | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Lincoln | Mercury |
| Model | Continental | Sable |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7541 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2760 mm |
