2003 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 50 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.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 520 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
