2008 Mercury Sable vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Mercury Sable is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 131 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 606 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 55 L |
