2001 Mercury Sable vs. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Iltis 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) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 210 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Mercury Sable. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Iltis. (136 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Iltis has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis 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 Volkswagen Iltis | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | Iltis |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2110 mm |
