1983 Buick LeSabre vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Buick LeSabre is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Buick LeSabre (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 795 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1983 Buick LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1983 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Buick LeSabre | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
