2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Sable (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 217 kg more than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercury Sable. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Sable | 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Sable | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2700 mm |
