1978 Buick Century vs. 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 26 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, 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 215 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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, 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Century | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2650 mm |
