2001 Mercury Sable vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (80 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 478 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 411. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 411 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 1970 Volkswagen 411. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (252 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (131 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 411. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen 411 has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen 411 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Sable | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | 411 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2500 mm |
