1979 Buick Century vs. 2003 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2003 Cadillac XLR is newer by 24 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 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac XLR (311 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 210 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2003 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Century | XLR |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 4572 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
