1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2009 Kia Spectra 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Spectra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Spectra should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 75 kg more than 2009 Kia Spectra.
Because 1981 Buick LeSabre is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Spectra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Buick LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Spectra. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Spectra. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Spectra has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Spectra 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 | 2009 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | LeSabre | Spectra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
