1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 160 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 Dodge Nitro (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | LeSabre | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2770 mm |
