1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Toyota RAV4 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 235 kg more than 2009 Toyota RAV4.
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, 2009 Toyota RAV4, 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, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick LeSabre | 2009 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | LeSabre | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
