1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 Mercedes-Benz GL (210 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 575 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Buick LeSabre. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercedes-Benz GL (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | LeSabre | GL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3080 mm |
