2003 McLaren F1 vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 2003 McLaren F1 is newer by 25 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 6,062 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 514 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 McLaren F1.
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, 2003 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 432 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 McLaren F1 | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | McLaren | Buick |
| Model | F1 | Century |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6062 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
