1990 Ford Tempo vs. 2009 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Tempo 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 167 more horse power than 1990 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 682 kg more than 1990 Ford Tempo. 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, 2009 Mercury Sable (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Tempo. (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Tempo | 2009 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Tempo | Sable |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2870 mm |
