1988 Buick Electra vs. 1979 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick LeSabre would be higher. Both 1988 Buick Electra and 1979 Buick LeSabre are equipped with a 3,791 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 15 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1979 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Electra | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
