1990 BMW 316 vs. 2002 Buick Century
To start off, 2002 Buick Century is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Buick Century (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Buick Century weights approximately 440 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 316 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 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Buick Century (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2002 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2002 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | Century |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
