2003 Buick LeSabre vs. 1981 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2003 Buick LeSabre is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (124 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 217 kg more than 1981 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Fairlane 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 1981 Ford Fairlane. 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, 2003 Buick LeSabre (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fairlane. (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fairlane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick LeSabre | 1981 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | LeSabre | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
