2008 Nissan Versa vs. 1979 Buick Century
To start off, 2008 Nissan Versa is newer by 29 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, 2008 Nissan Versa (122 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Versa weights approximately 975 kg more than 1979 Buick Century. 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, 2008 Nissan Versa, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Versa. (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Versa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Versa | 1979 Buick Century | |
| Make | Nissan | Buick |
| Model | Versa | Century |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2405 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2760 mm |
