1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 1993 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1993 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 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, 1993 Volkswagen Passat (172 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 176 kg more than 1993 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 1993 Volkswagen Passat, 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. 1980 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1993 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1993 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1993 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
