1979 Buick Century vs. 2012 Audi A3
To start off, 2012 Audi A3 is newer by 33 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, 2012 Audi A3 (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A3 weights approximately 140 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 2012 Audi A3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2012 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Buick | Audi |
| Model | Century | A3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2578 mm |
