2009 Mercury Sable vs. 1986 Opel Senator
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Opel Senator 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 149 more horse power than 1986 Opel Senator. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 606 kg more than 1986 Opel Senator. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Opel Senator is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1986 Opel Senator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Senator. (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Sable | 1986 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Sable | Senator |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1926 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 70 L |
