1981 Fiat 131 vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 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 41 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 460 kg more than 1981 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Fiat 131 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 Fiat 131. 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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat 131 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:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2760 mm |
