1979 Buick Century vs. 2011 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 32 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 3,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Impala (230 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 225 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, 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2011 Chevrolet Impala (318 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2011 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Century | Impala |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 3900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2807 mm |
