1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Routan 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 Volkswagen Routan (283 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 238 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 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 Volkswagen Routan, 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 Volkswagen Routan (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Routan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 2038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3078 mm |
