1997 Buick Century vs. 1988 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang 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 76 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 266 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Mustang 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 1988 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1988 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Century | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1254 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2560 mm |
