2000 Mercury Sable vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 2000 Mercury Sable is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercury Sable weights approximately 224 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260.
Because 1978 Volvo 260 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 260. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Mercury Sable (248 Nm) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm). This means 2000 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 2000 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercury Sable | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Sable | 260 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 146 HP |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1574 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
