1978 Buick Century vs. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban (320 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1143 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.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2012 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Century | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2573 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5649 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1951 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3302 mm |
