2009 Mercury Sable vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Spider 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 122 more horse power than 1996 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 842 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Renault Spider 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 1996 Renault Spider. 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 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Spider. 2009 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1996 Renault Spider has manual transmission. 1996 Renault Spider 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 | 1996 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Sable | Spider |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2350 mm |
