1977 Holden Sunbird vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1977 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1977 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 350 kg more than 1977 Holden Sunbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Holden Sunbird 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 1977 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Holden Sunbird. 1999 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1977 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1977 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Holden Sunbird | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Sunbird | Sable |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2760 mm |
