1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 1986 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1986 Buick LeSabre is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick LeSabre would be higher. Both 1978 Buick LeSabre and 1986 Buick LeSabre are equipped with a 3,791 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick LeSabre (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 90 kg more than 1986 Buick LeSabre.
Because 1978 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 1978 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1986 Buick LeSabre (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick LeSabre | 1986 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | LeSabre | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2830 mm |
