2001 Buick LeSabre vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Buick LeSabre is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 70 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (135 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 258 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 2001 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LeSabre | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2838 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
