1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 690 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercury Sable is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable will offer significantly more control. 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Malibu | Sable |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2870 mm |
