1978 Buick Century vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 34 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 775 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 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Buick | Alpina |
| Model | Century | B7 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3788 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3211 mm |
