1981 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 352 kg more than 1981 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. 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 (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1981 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1981 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Commodore | Sable |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1892 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
