2002 Mercury Sable vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 80 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 405 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2002 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2002 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
