2009 Mercury Sable vs. 1981 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Suzuki Alto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Suzuki Alto would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Sable (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1981 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 1315 kg more than 1981 Suzuki Alto. 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 1981 Suzuki Alto. 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 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Suzuki Alto. (60 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Sable | 1981 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Sable | Alto |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 3300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2160 mm |
