1961 Triumph TR3 vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1978 Buick Century is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1961 Triumph TR3. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 526 kg more than 1961 Triumph TR3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph TR3. (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph TR3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Triumph TR3 | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Triumph | Buick |
| Model | TR3 | Century |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2138 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3350 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 904 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2760 mm |
