2001 Buick LeSabre vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2001 Buick LeSabre is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 154 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 750 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2001 Buick LeSabre (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2001 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | LeSabre | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
