1978 Buick Century vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTD
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTD 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 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTD (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTD should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 21 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTD.
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 Volkswagen GTD, 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 Volkswagen GTD (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 2012 Volkswagen GTD | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | GTD |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 350 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 | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2578 mm |
