1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1998 Acura RL
To start off, 1998 Acura RL is newer by 17 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, 1998 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Acura RL weights approximately 85 kg more than 1981 Buick LeSabre. 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, 1998 Acura RL, 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 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 1998 Acura RL | |
| Make | Buick | Acura |
| Model | LeSabre | RL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2920 mm |
