1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 5,996 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 707 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 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Buick LeSabre. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (550 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 5996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 2297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2890 mm |
