1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 386 kg more than 2001 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Sable. (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | S | Sable |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
