1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis 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 Renault Vel Satis (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 145 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 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 Renault Vel Satis, 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 Renault Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Buick | Renault |
| Model | LeSabre | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2700 mm |
