2002 Mercury Sable vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 161 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volvo 265 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 1978 Volvo 265. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265. 2002 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 265 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 265 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Sable | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Sable | 265 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
