1989 Mazda 323 vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 323. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 464 kg more than 1989 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, 2002 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 323. (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 323. 2002 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1046 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 85 L |
