1979 Buick Century vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (433 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 451 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Century | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 433 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2941 mm |
