1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 1969 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1976 Buick LeSabre is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick LeSabre (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1969 Riley Kestrel. (64 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1969 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 836 kg more than 1969 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Buick LeSabre 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 1976 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1976 Buick LeSabre (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Riley Kestrel. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 1969 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Buick | Riley |
| Model | LeSabre | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1969 |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 25 L |
