2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 370 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 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Sable |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
