2008 BMW 523 vs. 2004 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 4 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Sable (200 HP) has 25 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 14 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. 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 (271 Nm) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2004 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | BMW | Mercury |
| Model | 523 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1504 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
