1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2008 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2008 Cadillac CTS is newer by 27 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (307 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 204 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2008 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2008 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2008 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | LeSabre | CTS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3564 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 307 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2890 mm |
