1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 28 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 4,369 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (444 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 131 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, 2009 Cadillac XLR (561 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2009 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | LeSabre | XLR |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 4369 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 561 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1721 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2690 mm |
