2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 Porsche 911. (185 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 895 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercury Sable is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Porsche 911. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable will offer significantly more control. 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 911. (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 911. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1978 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Sable | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Sable | 911 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 80 L |
