1988 Buick LeSabre vs. 1981 Buick Estate
To start off, 1988 Buick LeSabre is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 Buick LeSabre. (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 380 kg more than 1988 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Buick Estate 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 Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick LeSabre, 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 Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick LeSabre. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick LeSabre | 1981 Buick Estate | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | LeSabre | Estate |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2950 mm |
