1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 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 Chevrolet Cruze (161 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 320 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | LeSabre | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2685 mm |
