1996 Buick LeSabre vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1996 Buick LeSabre is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick LeSabre (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick LeSabre should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 270 kg more than 1981 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Buick LeSabre (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore. 1996 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1981 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1981 Holden Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick LeSabre | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | LeSabre | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2670 mm |
