1975 BMW 320 vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1975 BMW 320. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 712 kg more than 1975 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 BMW 320 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 1975 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 320. (157 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 320. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 320 | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 320 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 78 L |
