2003 Mercury Sable vs. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 747 kg more than 2003 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercury Sable. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (501 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Touareg has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 2312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 100 L |
