1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 6,598 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick LeSabre (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 805 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1976 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
