1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2001 Renault Vel Satis 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 Renault Vel Satis (179 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 155 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.
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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Buick | Renault |
| Model | LeSabre | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2740 mm |
