1999 Mercury Sable vs. 2003 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2003 Subaru Outback is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Outback (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 50 kg more than 2003 Subaru Outback.
Because 2003 Subaru Outback is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercury Sable. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Outback 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Outback. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Outback. 1999 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2003 Subaru Outback has manual transmission. 2003 Subaru Outback will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Sable | 2003 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Mercury | Subaru |
| Model | Sable | Outback |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
