1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 129 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2803 mm |
