1978 Buick Century vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 183 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Century | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Century | Jetta |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3213 cc | 1966 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 217 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1247 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2580 mm |