1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 30 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, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1981 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Buick LeSabre. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | LeSabre | 550 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 2295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3071 mm |
