1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Fusca 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, 1981 Buick LeSabre (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 770 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Buick LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Fusca has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca 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 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
