1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2005 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2005 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Sable (154 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Sable weights approximately 81 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 2005 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Nova | Sable |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2900 mm |
