2009 Mercury Sable vs. 1979 Volkswagen Iltis
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Iltis would be higher. At 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP) has 189 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 625 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mercury Sable (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Iltis. 2009 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1979 Volkswagen Iltis has manual transmission. 1979 Volkswagen Iltis will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Sable | 1979 Volkswagen Iltis | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | Iltis |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2110 mm |
