1978 Buick Century vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 31 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, 2009 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 31 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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (189 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Buick | Honda |
| Model | Century | Civic |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
