1999 Mercury Sable vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Mercury Sable is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Pontiac Firebird 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 (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1987 Pontiac Firebird 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 1987 Pontiac Firebird. 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 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Sable | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Sable | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
