1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 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 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1976 Buick LeSabre. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 389 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3.
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, 2011 Mazda 3, 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 (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 1976 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 3 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 | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LeSabre | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
