1978 Buick Century vs. 2012 Toyota Sienna
To start off, 2012 Toyota Sienna 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 3,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Sienna (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Sienna should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Sienna weights approximately 595 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 Toyota Sienna, 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, 2012 Toyota Sienna (332 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Sienna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2012 Toyota Sienna | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Century | Sienna |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3788 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1984 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3030 mm |
