1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1981 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 16 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 197 kg more than 1997 BMW Z3.
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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW Z3 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:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1981 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | Z3 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2950 mm |
