2007 Kia Optima vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2007 Kia Optima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Optima (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Sable.
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, 2002 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Optima. (222 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Optima. 2002 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2007 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2007 Kia Optima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Optima | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Sable |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 85 L |
