1981 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 5 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
Model | S | Sable |
Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 154 HP | 152 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 246 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 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 | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1565 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |