2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 205 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 1236 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mercury Sable (333 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 Toyota Starlet | |
Make | Mercury | Toyota |
Model | Sable | Starlet |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1166 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 260 HP | 55 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 333 Nm | 84 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 775 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1530 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 70 L |