1978 Buick Century vs. 2006 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 28 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, 2006 Hyundai Sonata (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 262 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, 2006 Hyundai Sonata, 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2006 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Buick | Hyundai |
| Model | Century | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 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 | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
