1979 Buick Century vs. 2009 Volvo S80
To start off, 2009 Volvo S80 is newer by 30 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, 2009 Volvo S80 (197 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S80 weights approximately 123 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, 2009 Volvo S80, 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, 2009 Volvo S80 (301 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2009 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Century | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1553 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2840 mm |
