1978 Citroen Visa vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Sable (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Citroen Visa. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 831 kg more than 1978 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen Visa. (51 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen Visa. 1999 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Citroen Visa has manual transmission. 1978 Citroen Visa 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:
| 1978 Citroen Visa | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | Visa | Sable |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 51 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 734 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 68 L |
