1981 Buick Century vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 31 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 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 310 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Century | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Century | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2837 mm |
