Though basically unchanged for 1980, Seville got a few new touches including restyled (optional) wire wheel covers. Side accent moldings were now standard. An air dam below the front bumper was added, in an attempt to improve aerodynamic characteristics and gas mileage. Base engine was the Olds-built diesel V-8, now with roller cam followers on the valve lifters. That made Seville the only car around with a standard V-8 diesel.
Also new: an improved water detection/removal system for the fuel tank. New component labeling procedures were supposed to prevent theft. Seville's long list of standard equipment included
Standard gear also included
New options:
A Buick-built 252 cu. in. V-6 with four-barrel carburetor was also available this year. Both gasoline engines brought buyers a credit of several hundred dollars.
Sevilles came in 13 high-gloss acrylic lacquer finishes, with accent striping and moldings. Optional were 13 two-tone combinations (such as Twilight Blue over Norfolk Gray) and 8 Firemist paints. Dual Comfort 45/45 seats were upholstered in Heather knit cloth; or 11 leather shades in tucked seating areas. Deep-pile Tiffany carpeting decorated the floor. Also standard: map lamps, assist straps, and an improved electronic-tuning AM/FM stereo radio.
Hoods displayed a burnished wreath-and-crest ornament over the vertical-style grille with its large header bar, and engine compartments had a new light. Cast aluminum wheels were standard. One-piece bumpers had built-in guards. A Touring Suspension became optional during the 1981 model year. Seville Elegantes had been easy to spot with their bold "French Curve" molding separating two-tone body colors. This year, base Sevilles gained the full-length accent moldings that had formerly been an Elegante exclusive. The pricey Elegante package included
Elegante came in four color combinations:
Model Number | Style Number | Body Type | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
Seville V-6 / Diesel V-8 | ||||||
6K | S69 | 4-door Sedan | 5 | $20,598 / 21,088 | 3688 / 4028 lb | 28,631 |
Feature | Basic diesel V-8 | Optional V-6 | Optional V-8 |
Type | 90-degree, overhead valve V-8. Cast iron block and head | 90-degree, overhead valve V-6. Cast iron block and head | 90-degree, overhead valve variable-displacement. Cast iron block and head |
Displacement | 350 cu. in. (5.7 liters) | 252 cu. in. (4.1 liters) | 368 cu. in. (6.0 liters) |
Bore & stroke | 4.057 x 3.385 in. | 3.965 x 3.40 in. | 3.80 x 4.06 in. |
Compression ratio | 22.5:1 | 8.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
Brake horsepower | 105 at 3200 R.P.M. | 125 at 3800 R.P.M. | 140 at 3800 R.P.M. |
Torque | 200 lbs.-ft. at 1600 R.P.M. | 210 lbs.-ft. at 2000 R.P.M. | 265 lbs.-ft. at 1400 R.P.M. |
Main bearings | Five | Four | Five |
Valve lifters | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
Fuel supply | Fuel injection | 4-bbl carburetor | Digital fuel injection |
VIN Code | N | 4 | 9 |
Wheelbase | 114.0 in. |
Overall length | 204.8 in. |
Height | 54.3 in. |
Width | 71.5 in. |
Front Tread | 59.3 in. |
Rear Tread | 60.6 in. |
Standard Tires | P205/75R15 SBR wide WSW |
Transmission | Turbo Hydra-matic transmission, column shift. |
Gear ratios 3-speed automatic | (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1. |
Gear ratios 4-speed automatic w/V-6 | (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57:1; (3rd) 1.00:1: (4th) 0.667:1; (Rev) 2.07:1. |
Standard final drive ratio | 2.41:1 except w/V-6, 2.93:1 |
Steering | recirculating ball (power assisted |
Suspension | same as 1980. |
Brakes | four-wheel disc. |
Fuel tank | 22.8 gal. w/diesel, 20.3 gal. w/V8-6-4, 21.1 gal. w/V-6 |