1996 BMW 840 vs. 1979 Buick Century
To start off, 1996 BMW 840 is newer by 17 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 310 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, 1996 BMW 840 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1979 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 840 | Century |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
