1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2001 Ford Ka
To start off, 2001 Ford Ka is newer by 20 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 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick LeSabre (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2001 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 920 kg more than 2001 Ford Ka. 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, 2001 Ford Ka, 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 (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Ka. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Ka 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 | 2001 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LeSabre | Ka |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
