1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 29 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 100 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
