1971 Buick Centurion vs. 1956 Buick 40
To start off, 1971 Buick Centurion is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1971 Buick Centurion. (226 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Centurion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Centurion weights approximately 480 kg more than 1956 Buick 40.
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, 1971 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Buick 40. (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Centurion | 1956 Buick 40 | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Centurion | 40 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5279 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 462 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 3110 mm |
