1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2009 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 30 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 467 kg more than 1979 Ferrari 308. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Sable (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308. 2009 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. 2009 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2009 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercury |
| Model | 308 | Sable |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2870 mm |
