2003 Mercury Sable vs. 1980 Reliant GTC
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant GTC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant GTC 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 18 more horse power than 1980 Reliant GTC. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant GTC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 222 kg more than 1980 Reliant GTC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Reliant GTC 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 Reliant GTC. 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant GTC. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant GTC. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant GTC has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant GTC 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 | 1980 Reliant GTC | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Sable | GTC |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 91 L |
