2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1974 Austin Marina
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin Marina would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1974 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 952 kg more than 1974 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Austin Marina 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 1974 Austin Marina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Sable | 1974 Austin Marina | |
| Make | Mercury | Austin |
| Model | Sable | Marina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2440 mm |
