1971 Toyota Century vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Century would be higher. At 2,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1971 Toyota Century. (128 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1971 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 40 kg more than 1971 Toyota Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Toyota Century 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 1971 Toyota Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 1971 Toyota Century (236 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1971 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1971 Toyota Century has manual transmission. 1971 Toyota Century will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Toyota Century | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Toyota | Buick |
| Model | Century | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2981 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2837 mm |
