2009 Audi A3 vs. 1981 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 770 kg more than 2009 Audi A3.
Because 1981 Buick LeSabre 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 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3, 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, 2009 Audi A3 (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1981 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | Audi | Buick |
| Model | A3 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
