1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 2008 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 30 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. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Caliber (285 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1978 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2008 Dodge Caliber (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre. 1978 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick LeSabre | 2008 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | LeSabre | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2640 mm |
