2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 357 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 535 kg more than 2002 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 579 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | SL | Sable |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2045 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 85 L |
