1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1998 Mazda 121
To start off, 1998 Mazda 121 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, 1981 Buick LeSabre (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 599 kg more than 1998 Mazda 121. 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 Mazda 121, 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 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 121. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 121. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 121 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 121 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 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LeSabre | 121 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |
