1973 Buick Centurion vs. 2002 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Centurion (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. (180 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Centurion weights approximately 541 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Buick Centurion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 1973 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Impala. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Centurion | 2002 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Centurion | Impala |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2076 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2810 mm |
