1983 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2004 Mercury Sable is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1983 BMW 320. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 538 kg more than 1983 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 BMW 320 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 1983 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 320. (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 320. 2004 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 320 | 2004 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 320 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1050 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
