1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 48 kg more than 2003 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | 280 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2760 mm |
