2002 Toyota Solara vs. 1980 Buick Century
To start off, 2002 Toyota Solara is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Century weights approximately 35 kg more than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Because 1980 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 1980 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara, 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, 2002 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Solara | 1980 Buick Century | |
| Make | Toyota | Buick |
| Model | Solara | Century |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2438 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2760 mm |
