1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 2001 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2001 Kia Sportage 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Kia Sportage (126 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 139 kg more than 2001 Kia Sportage.
Because 2001 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Buick LeSabre. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Sportage. (175 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Sportage. 1980 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2001 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2001 Kia Sportage 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 | 2001 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | LeSabre | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
