1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2000 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2000 Mercury Sable is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (107 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercury Sable weights approximately 475 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2000 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2000 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Sable |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
