1976 Buick LeSabre vs. 2011 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Routan 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 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1976 Buick LeSabre. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 338 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, 2011 Volkswagen Routan, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Routan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Routan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick LeSabre | 2011 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Routan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 2084 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 78 L |
