2001 Mercury Sable vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 129 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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 (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2001 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
