1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 26 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 270 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3.
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, 2006 Mazda 3, 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 1980 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 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 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LeSabre | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
