1978 Buick Century vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 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, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 549 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Century | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Century | Elise |
Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3213 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 217 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 881 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2310 mm |