1981 Ford Falcon vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 195 kg more than 1981 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Falcon. (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Falcon | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Falcon | Sable |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2760 mm |
