1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 62 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LeSabre | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
