1988 Buick LeSabre vs. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1988 Buick LeSabre is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick LeSabre (148 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 895 kg more than 1988 Buick LeSabre.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Buick LeSabre. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet Suburban (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick LeSabre. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick LeSabre | 1981 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | LeSabre | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 6210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 2395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3300 mm |
