2003 Buick LeSabre vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 379 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. 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, 2003 Buick LeSabre (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte. 2003 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Forte will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick LeSabre | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | LeSabre | Forte |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 52 L |
