1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Volvo S80
To start off, 2012 Volvo S80 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 Volvo S80 (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo S80 weights approximately 22 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 2012 Volvo S80 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Buick LeSabre. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S80 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volvo S80 (440 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | LeSabre | S80 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4851 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1862 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2835 mm |
