1979 Buick LeSabre vs. 1986 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1986 Lancia Thema is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lancia Thema (165 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 440 kg more than 1986 Lancia Thema.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Lancia Thema, 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, 1986 Lancia Thema (285 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick LeSabre. 1979 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1986 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1986 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick LeSabre | 1986 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Buick | Lancia |
| Model | LeSabre | Thema |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
