1981 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 552 kg more than 1981 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 1981 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 525 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 78 L |
