1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2004 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2004 Mercury Sable is newer by 28 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 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 526 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, 2004 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, 2004 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina. 2004 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. 2004 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2004 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Cortina | Sable |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 85 L |
