1978 Buick Century vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 630 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick 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 1978 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Century | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2400 mm |
