1988 Holden Commodore vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 153 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 295 kg more than 1988 Holden Commodore.
Because 1988 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 1988 Holden Commodore. 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Holden Commodore. (247 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Holden Commodore. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1988 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1988 Holden Commodore 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:
| 1988 Holden Commodore | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Commodore | Sable |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
