1972 Buick Centurion vs. 2009 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2009 Kia Spectra is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Centurion (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2009 Kia Spectra. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Spectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Centurion weights approximately 555 kg more than 2009 Kia Spectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Buick Centurion 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 1972 Buick Centurion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Spectra, 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, 1972 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Spectra. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Spectra. 1972 Buick Centurion has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Spectra has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Spectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Centurion | 2009 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Centurion | Spectra |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2620 mm |
