1978 Daihatsu Taft 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 Daihatsu Taft. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Daihatsu Taft 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 135 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. (62 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 380 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Daihatsu Taft is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mercury Sable. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Taft will offer significantly more control. 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. (150 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. 1999 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Daihatsu Taft has manual transmission. 1978 Daihatsu Taft 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 Daihatsu Taft | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercury |
| Model | Taft | Sable |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2760 mm |
