1998 Buick LeSabre vs. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1998 Buick LeSabre is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick LeSabre (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 200 kg more than 1998 Buick LeSabre.
Because 1980 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1998 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick LeSabre | 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | LeSabre | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
