1974 Buick Centurion vs. 1983 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1983 Ford Tempo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Centurion (226 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1983 Ford Tempo. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Centurion weights approximately 960 kg more than 1983 Ford Tempo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Buick Centurion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Tempo, 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, 1974 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Tempo. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Tempo. 1974 Buick Centurion has automatic transmission and 1983 Ford Tempo has manual transmission. 1983 Ford Tempo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Centurion | 1983 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Centurion | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2540 mm |
