2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1988 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Vitara 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 185 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Vitara.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1988 Suzuki Vitara has manual transmission. 1988 Suzuki Vitara 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 | 1988 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Sable | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2210 mm |
