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 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (399 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 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 | 5736 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 399 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 369 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
