1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 17 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 206 kg more than 1997 Ford Contour.
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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Contour. (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Contour. 1980 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Contour has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Contour 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 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
Make | Buick | Ford |
Model | LeSabre | Contour |
Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2544 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4680 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |