1979 Buick Century vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 33 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, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 360 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.
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 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | 520 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2968 mm |
