1979 Buick Century vs. 2010 Volvo S40
To start off, 2010 Volvo S40 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 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo S40 weights approximately 84 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, 2010 Volvo S40, 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, 2010 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2010 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Century | S40 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 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 | 1514 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2639 mm |
