2005 Mercury Sable vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2005 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Sable (152 HP) has 52 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (100 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Sable weights approximately 445 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Rekord 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 Opel Rekord. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 2005 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Mercury Sable | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
Make | Mercury | Opel |
Model | Sable | Rekord |
Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2982 cc | 1978 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 152 HP | 100 HP |
Torque | 246 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 69.8 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4600 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |