2001 Buick LeSabre vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2001 Buick LeSabre is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 538 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Opel Ascona 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 1979 Opel Ascona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Buick LeSabre (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona. 2001 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1979 Opel Ascona has manual transmission. 1979 Opel Ascona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Buick LeSabre | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | LeSabre | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
