2003 Mercury Sable vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 9 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 555 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2012 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Sable | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Sable | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
