1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 27 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 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1976 Buick LeSabre. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 249 kg more than 1976 Buick LeSabre. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton. 1976 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
