2001 Acura RL vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 2001 Acura RL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 245 kg more than 1978 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, 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 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Acura | Buick |
| Model | RL | Century |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 3788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2760 mm |
