1998 Mazda 323 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 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda 323 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) has 186 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 928 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. 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 323. 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 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 323 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 323 | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 323 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1323 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 |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 78 L |
