1978 Buick Century vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (140 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 310 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 (250 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Century | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2837 mm |
