1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 31 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 261 kg more than 2009 Nissan Pathfinder.
Because 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick LeSabre. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick LeSabre | 2009 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | LeSabre | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
