2009 Mercury Sable vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 @ 6250 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 1115 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Sable is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Sable (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Sable | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sable | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
