2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (197 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 147 kg more than 1999 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Thunderbird 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 2004 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Sable. (271 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Thunderbird | Sable |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3933 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1712 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 68 L |
