1981 Holden Commodore vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 566 kg more than 1981 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Holden Commodore 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 1981 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Holden Commodore | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
Make | Holden | Mercury |
Model | Commodore | Sable |
Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3298 cc | 3495 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 111 HP | 260 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 231 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1832 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1570 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2870 mm |