1979 Buick Century vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 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, 1988 Volvo 480 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 368 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480.
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 Volvo 480, 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Buick Century | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
Make | Buick | Volvo |
Model | Century | 480 |
Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1721 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 218 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1062 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4260 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2510 mm |