1973 Buick Centurion vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1973 Buick Centurion. (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Centurion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Centurion weights approximately 96 kg more than 2012 BMW 550.
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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Buick Centurion. (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Buick Centurion. 1973 Buick Centurion has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Buick Centurion | 2012 BMW 550 | |
Make | Buick | BMW |
Model | Centurion | 550 |
Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 225 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 498 Nm | 609 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Vehicle Weight | 2076 kg | 1980 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2968 mm |