2004 Mercury Sable vs. 1973 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Mercury Sable is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 468 kg more than 1973 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Nissan Laurel 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 1973 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (169 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Sable | 1973 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Sable | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2680 mm |
