1979 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 155 kg more than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Because 1979 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Caprice | Sable |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
