1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1996 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LeSabre | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2880 mm |
