1988 Mazda 323 vs. 2004 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2004 Mercury Sable is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda 323 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 87 more horse power than 1988 Mazda 323. (66 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 718 kg more than 1988 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda 323. (101 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda 323. 2004 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1988 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1988 Mazda 323 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:
| 1988 Mazda 323 | 2004 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1323 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2870 mm |
