1997 Buick Century vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1998 Honda S-MX is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Century 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 36 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 188 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Buick | Honda |
| Model | Century | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2510 mm |
