1999 Mercury Sable vs. 1981 Volvo 265
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 265 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 143 kg more than 1981 Volvo 265.
Because 1981 Volvo 265 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 1981 Volvo 265. 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 (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 265. (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Sable | 1981 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Sable | 265 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
