2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1988 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore 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 107 more horse power than 1988 Holden Commodore. (153 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1988 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 617 kg more than 1988 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Holden Commodore 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 1988 Holden Commodore. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Holden Commodore. (247 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Sable | 1988 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Mercury | Holden |
| Model | Sable | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2670 mm |
