1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2004 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2004 Mercury Mariner is newer by 23 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (197 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 20 kg more than 2004 Mercury Mariner.
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, 2004 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2004 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2004 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Buick | Mercury |
| Model | LeSabre | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
