1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Sable (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 131. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 525 kg more than 1976 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Fiat 131 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 1976 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131. 1999 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1976 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1976 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 68 L |
