1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 600 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Sable |
Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 152 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 246 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 79 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1565 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2760 mm |