1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 262 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Sable (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2009 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 520 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 78 L |
