1998 Mazda 121 vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 1084 kg more than 1998 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercury Sable is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 121. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 121 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 121 | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 121 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2870 mm |
