2005 Mercury Sable vs. 1979 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 2005 Mercury Sable is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,964 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Sable (201 HP) has 77 more horse power than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. (124 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Sable weights approximately 344 kg more than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Nissan 260 ZX 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 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. 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 (281 Nm) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. (189 Nm). This means 2005 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Sable | 1979 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Sable | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2964 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 124 HP |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1504 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2610 mm |
