1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Honda Civic

To start off, 2012 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 407 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic.

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 Honda Civic, 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2012 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2012 Honda Civic 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.

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