2009 Mercury Sable vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 2009 Mercury Sable is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 850 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 125 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Sable weights approximately 469 kg more than 1996 Volvo 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 850. (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 850. 2009 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 850 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 850 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 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Mercury | Volvo |
| Model | Sable | 850 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1926 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2670 mm |
