1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick LeSabre | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | Jetta |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1500 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2580 mm |