1997 Buick Century vs. 1986 Honda Civic
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 620 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 1986 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1986 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1986 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Buick | Honda |
| Model | Century | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2210 mm |
