2003 Mercury Sable vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 250 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercury Cougar 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. 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 (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Sable | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Sable | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
