1976 Holden Sunbird vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 420 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Holden Sunbird 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 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (224 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Holden Sunbird | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Sunbird | Sable |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2832 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2760 mm |
