1981 Buick Electra vs. 1998 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1998 Buick LeSabre is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick LeSabre (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 202 kg more than 1998 Buick LeSabre.
Because 1981 Buick Electra 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 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 1998 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Electra | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 68 L |
