1978 Buick Century vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 Jetta, 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 Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Century | Jetta |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3788 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 217 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4644 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1778 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1482 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2651 mm |