1978 Buick Century vs. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 25 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 851 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 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2003 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2281 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
