1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2012 Opel Zafira 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 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Opel Zafira (238 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Opel Zafira 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 Opel Zafira, 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 Opel Zafira (320 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Opel Zafira 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 Opel Zafira has manual transmission. 2012 Opel Zafira 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 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | LeSabre | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2700 mm |
