1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 34 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 245 kg more than 1978 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
Make | Buick | Buick |
Model | LeSabre | LaCrosse |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 303 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 358 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1835 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5001 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1857 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2837 mm |