1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2011 BMW X5
To start off, 2011 BMW X5 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X5 (304 HP @ 440 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X5 weights approximately 595 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 X5 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 X5 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 X5 (600 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X5 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 X5 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | LeSabre | X5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 440 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2934 mm |
