1996 Honda Prelude 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 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Prelude 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) has 70 more horse power than 1996 Honda Prelude. (190 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 745 kg more than 1996 Honda Prelude. 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 Honda Prelude. 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) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Prelude. (214 Nm). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Prelude. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Prelude will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Prelude | 2008 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Honda | Mercury |
| Model | Prelude | Sable |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 260 HP |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2870 mm |
