2009 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 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 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 230 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 2009 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Passat | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Buick |
| Model | Passat | Century |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3189 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
