1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Sable. (260 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 171 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Sable. (333 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
Model | SL | Sable |
Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 317 HP | 260 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 471 Nm | 333 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 2011 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1570 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2870 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 78 L |