1999 Mercury Sable vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Sable (197 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 575 kg more than 1978 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volvo 343 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 1978 Volvo 343. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Sable | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Sable | 343 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
