1990 BMW 518 vs. 1999 Buick Century
To start off, 1999 Buick Century is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Century weights approximately 160 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 518 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 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 1999 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1999 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 518 | Century |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
