2001 Kia Rio vs. 1979 Buick Century
To start off, 2001 Kia Rio is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2001 Kia Rio. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2001 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 505 kg more than 2001 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Kia Rio, 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, 1979 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Kia Rio. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Kia Rio | 1979 Buick Century | |
| Make | Kia | Buick |
| Model | Rio | Century |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1342 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2760 mm |
