1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 91 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick LeSabre. 1980 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | Passat |
Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 279 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1489 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |