2004 Buick LeSabre vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Buick LeSabre is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick LeSabre (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 24 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (256 Nm). This means 2004 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick LeSabre | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LeSabre | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1629 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
