2004 Mercury Sable vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 190 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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, 2004 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Sable | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Sable | Altima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
