2009 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 270 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick LeSabre. 1978 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1978 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M3 | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
