1983 BMW 323 vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 323 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1983 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 323.
Because 2008 Mercury Sable is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 BMW 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 323. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 78 L |
