1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta 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 72 more horse power than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (80 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 315 kg more than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta 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 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. 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 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (162 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta has manual transmission. 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercury |
| Model | Alfetta | Sable |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 68 L |
