1981 Toyota 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 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Century. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Century weights approximately 65 kg more than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Because 1981 Toyota 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 Toyota 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, 1981 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Century | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Toyota | Buick |
| Model | Century | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3376 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2837 mm |
