2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 475 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 2005 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 2005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 554 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Sable |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
