1996 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 2 kg more than 1996 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1981 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
