1979 Buick Century vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 17 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 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 275 kg more than 1979 Buick Century. 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Century | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 3301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2880 mm |
