2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1989 Volvo 480
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 480 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 151 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 480.
Because 2008 Mercury Sable is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Volvo 480. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable 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 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 480. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 480 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 480 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 | 1989 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Sable | 480 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 80 L |
