1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2006 Volvo S80
To start off, 2006 Volvo S80 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 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S80 (268 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 121 kg more than 2006 Volvo S80.
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, 2006 Volvo S80, 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, 2006 Volvo S80 (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2006 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | LeSabre | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1679 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2800 mm |
