1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 32 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 65 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | LeSabre | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2760 mm |
