1978 Buick Century vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 10 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (124 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 10 kg more than 1978 Buick Century. 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, both vehicles can yield 217 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Century | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2740 mm |
