1981 Ford Taunus vs. 2005 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2005 Mercury Sable is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Sable (152 HP) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Sable weights approximately 545 kg more than 1981 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus. 2005 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Taunus | 2005 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taunus | Sable |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 152 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
