1997 Buick Century vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP) has 116 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 575 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1979 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1979 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 45 L |
