2001 Mercury Sable vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 18 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 75 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (78 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 485 kg more than 1978 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 18. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Renault 18 has manual transmission. 1978 Renault 18 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 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Sable | 18 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
