1979 Buick Century vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 691 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Century | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2121 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1834 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2850 mm |
