2002 Mercury Sable vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 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 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 426 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Sable | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Sable | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 48 L |
