1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (399 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
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 Ford Explorer (369 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LeSabre | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 399 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
