2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP) has 211 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 862 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 311. 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Sable | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mercury | Wartburg |
| Model | Sable | 311 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 43 L |
