1980 BMW M1 vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 96 kg more than 1980 BMW M1.
Because 1980 BMW M1 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 1980 BMW M1. 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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M1 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:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | M1 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
