1978 Ford Capri vs. 2004 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2004 Mercury Sable is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 472 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri. 2004 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2004 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Capri | Sable |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 85 L |
