1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 2001 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 21 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 165 kg more than 1980 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 2001 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LeSabre | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
