1979 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 602 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. 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 (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Sable |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 85 L |
