1981 BMW 528 vs. 1988 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1988 Buick LeSabre is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1988 Buick LeSabre. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 200 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1988 Buick LeSabre (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 1988 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 528 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
