1951 Buick 40 vs. 1997 Buick Century
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,066 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1951 Buick 40. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1951 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Buick 40 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1997 Buick Century.
Because 1951 Buick 40 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 1951 Buick 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1951 Buick 40 (292 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1951 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Buick 40 | 1997 Buick Century | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | 40 | Century |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4066 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2780 mm |
