1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2001 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2001 Opel Vectra 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Vectra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 200 kg more than 2001 Opel Vectra.
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 Opel Vectra, 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, 2001 Opel Vectra (270 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Vectra 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 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | LeSabre | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
