2003 Buick LeSabre vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Buick LeSabre is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2003 Buick LeSabre. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 21 kg more than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1973 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 1973 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Buick LeSabre. (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick LeSabre | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LeSabre | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 76 L |
