1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 345 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. 1980 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LeSabre | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
