1981 Buick Century vs. 2001 Toyota Previa
To start off, 2001 Toyota Previa is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Previa (160 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Previa should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Previa weights approximately 95 kg more than 1981 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Previa, 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, 2001 Toyota Previa (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Previa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Century | 2001 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Century | Previa |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2900 mm |
