1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1998 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1998 Dodge Caravan 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 Dodge Caravan (131 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 210 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 Dodge Caravan, 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 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Caravan. (174 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Caravan. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Caravan has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Caravan 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 | 1998 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | LeSabre | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2880 mm |
