1974 Ford Capri vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (71 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 555 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (119 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Capri | Sable |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2760 mm |
