1980 Buick LeSabre vs. 2011 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 31 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Impala (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 17 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, 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2011 Chevrolet Impala (293 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick LeSabre | 2011 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | LeSabre | Impala |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2807 mm |
