1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 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, 1980 Buick LeSabre (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 705 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1989 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. 1980 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1989 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 1989 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | Jetta |
Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 54 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 279 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |