1990 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1990 Buick LeSabre. (115 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1990 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 263 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 1990 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 1990 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Buick LeSabre. (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Buick LeSabre. 1990 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | GTI |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
