1985 Buick LeSabre vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1985 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1985 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 355 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1985 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 1985 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1985 Buick LeSabre (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. 1985 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Buick LeSabre | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LeSabre | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
