2002 Mercury Sable vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 99 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2011 Mazda RX-8 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 2011 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2002 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Sable | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Sable | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
