2001 Mercury Sable vs. 1976 Mitsubishi Minica
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mitsubishi Minica would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (27 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 1055 kg more than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mitsubishi Minica 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 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. 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 (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. (28 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mitsubishi Minica. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1976 Mitsubishi Minica has manual transmission. 1976 Mitsubishi Minica 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 | 1976 Mitsubishi Minica | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Sable | Minica |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 27 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2010 mm |
