2004 Mercury Sable vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Mercury Sable is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 378 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2004 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Sable | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
