1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 145 kg more than 1979 Ferrari 308.
Because 1979 Ferrari 308 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 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Sable. (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Sable. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercury |
| Model | 308 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2760 mm |
