1979 Buick Century vs. 2011 BMW X3
To start off, 2011 BMW X3 is newer by 32 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 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X3 weights approximately 445 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 2011 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 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, 2011 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2011 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | X3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2810 mm |
