1979 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 33 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 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 693 kg more than 1979 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Buick LeSabre. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Pathfinder (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | LeSabre | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 2283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1847 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2850 mm |
