1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2006 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2006 Kia Sorento is newer by 25 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, 2006 Kia Sorento (192 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sorento weights approximately 410 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 2006 Kia Sorento 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, 2006 Kia Sorento 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, 2006 Kia Sorento (294 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2006 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | LeSabre | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
