2002 Mercury Sable vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 435 kg more than 2002 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Sable | 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Mercury | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Sable | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3080 mm |
