1989 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 104 kg more than 2001 Mercury Sable.
Because 1989 Ford Thunderbird 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 1989 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Sable. (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sable |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 85 L |
