1999 Mercury Sable vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 645 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 1999 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Sable | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 40 L |
