1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 15 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Nova 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 Chevrolet Nova. 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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Nova | Sable |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2760 mm |
