1979 Buick Century vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 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 X5 (244 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 720 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 2012 BMW X5 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, 2012 BMW X5 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, 2012 BMW X5 (540 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X5 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 X5 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | X5 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| 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 | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 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 | 2150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2933 mm |
