1979 Buick Century vs. 1988 Ford Escort
To start off, 1988 Ford Escort is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 405 kg more than 1988 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Escort, 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, 1979 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Escort. (145 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 1988 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Century | Escort |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2400 mm |
