1996 Buick LeSabre vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1996 Buick LeSabre is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick LeSabre (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 740 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volkswagen 1302 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 1978 Volkswagen 1302. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen 1302. 1996 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick LeSabre | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |
