2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 3,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Sable |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3994 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2870 mm |
