1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 23 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 200 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | LeSabre | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
