1996 Toyota MR2 vs. 1981 Buick Century
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 15 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Century weights approximately 195 kg more than 1996 Toyota MR2.
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, 1981 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota MR2 | 1981 Buick Century | |
| Make | Toyota | Buick |
| Model | MR2 | Century |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2760 mm |
