1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Maxima is newer by 29 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, 2009 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 37 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, 2009 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2009 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 2009 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | LeSabre | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2776 mm |
