2008 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 320 kg more than 2003 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Sable |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 85 L |
