Speed detioration...

[Donald91tbird]

I was being told by a friend yesterday that my mother's 2002 Mercury Sable is faster than my car . The car is a 3.0L 157 hp V6 (189 Torque). Mine is 1991 Tbird 3.8L 140 hp V6 (215 Torque) . But one thing he kept explaining was that Horsepower decreases every year with wear and tear. It sounds right. But my car should beat the mercury in the long run. Believe me , It almost got to the point where I wanted to hand him the keys and say lets go... haha, but my conscience kicked in.

But is this true?

[thunderbird muscle]

Ya to a point, but good maintenance will help out a lot.

[flewthecoupe]

I don't think the Sable's were governed, you may take it in the 1/4, but not top end.

[JR Tigerstar]

Originally Posted by Donald91tbird

The car is a 3.0L 157 hp V6 (189 Torque). Mine is 1991 Tbird 3.8L 140 hp V6 (215 Torque) .

Are those factory quoted numbers?
If so, keep in mind the power has to get from the flywheel to the drive wheels
and drive-line loss is higher on rear wheel drive automobiles.

Originally Posted by Donald91tbird

But one thing he kept explaining was that Horsepower decreases every year with wear and tear. It sounds right. But my car should beat the mercury in the long run. But is this true?

I don't know if it decreases every year.
I will tell you that the average 14 year old automobile does not make the factory power ratings any longer.

[Donald91tbird]

yes those are factory quoted number. RWD is better anway right? Pushing is better than pulling.. I would think the same would apply here. =)