2003 Mercury Sable vs. 1971 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 2003 Mercury Sable is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1971 Volvo P 1800. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1971 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 392 kg more than 1971 Volvo P 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Volvo P 1800 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 1971 Volvo P 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volvo P 1800. (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volvo P 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Sable | 1971 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Sable | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2460 mm |
