1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 1961 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1980 Buick LeSabre is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick LeSabre (123 HP) has 74 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 311. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 610 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 311, 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, 1980 Buick LeSabre (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 1961 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Buick | Wartburg |
| Model | LeSabre | 311 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
