1978 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Toyota Sienna
To start off, 2012 Toyota Sienna 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 Toyota Sienna (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Sienna should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Sienna weights approximately 435 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 Toyota Sienna, 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 Toyota Sienna (332 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Sienna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Toyota Sienna | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | LeSabre | Sienna |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1984 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3030 mm |
