1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1981 Buick LeSabre is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick LeSabre (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 1110 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1981 Buick LeSabre (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (57 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Buick LeSabre | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | LeSabre | Polo |
Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 895 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 105 HP | 39 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 274 Nm | 57 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1570 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |