2003 Mercury Sable vs. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 672 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia has manual transmission. 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Mercury Sable | 1972 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
Model | Sable | Karmann-Ghia |
Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 840 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2430 mm |