1981 Holden Statesman 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 Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,041 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Statesman (169 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Statesman weights approximately 208 kg more than 2003 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Holden Statesman 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 Statesman. 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, 1981 Holden Statesman (361 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Statesman | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Statesman | Sable |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5041 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2760 mm |
