1989 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1989 Buick LeSabre. (149 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 574 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise 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 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Buick LeSabre (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | LeSabre | Elise |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 44 L |
