2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1986 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Opel Rekord 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 @ 6250 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1986 Opel Rekord. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 526 kg more than 1986 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Opel Rekord 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 1986 Opel Rekord. 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 (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Rekord. (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Sable | 1986 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Sable | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1306 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 65 L |
