2001 Mercury Sable vs. 1996 Acura RL
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Acura RL weights approximately 165 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Sable. (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1996 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Sable | 1996 Acura RL | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Sable | RL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 50 L |
