1978 Bitter Diplomat vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bitter Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bitter Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bitter Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bitter Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bitter Diplomat should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bitter Diplomat weights approximately 115 kg more than 2001 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Bitter Diplomat 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 1978 Bitter Diplomat. 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, 1978 Bitter Diplomat (419 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Bitter Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bitter Diplomat | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Bitter | Mercury |
| Model | Diplomat | Sable |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 419 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
