1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Chevrolet Captiva
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva is newer by 31 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, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (161 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Captiva (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Captiva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Captiva has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Captiva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Chevrolet Captiva | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | LeSabre | Captiva |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4673 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1756 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2707 mm |
