1974 Lotus Elite 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 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 450 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Elite 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 Lotus Elite. 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Lotus Elite | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
Make | Lotus | Mercury |
Model | Elite | Sable |
Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2986 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 153 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
Torque | 177 Nm | 252 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 79 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1510 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2760 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 L |