1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 21 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, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 612 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier has manual transmission. 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 | 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | LeSabre | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2810 mm |
