1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 1971 ZIL 117
To start off, 1978 Buick LeSabre is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 ZIL 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 ZIL 117 would be higher. At 6,959 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 ZIL 117 (297 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1360 kg more than 1978 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1971 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick LeSabre | 1971 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Buick | ZIL |
| Model | LeSabre | 117 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 2950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3310 mm |
