1997 Buick Century vs. 2001 BMW 320
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 4 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, 2001 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1997 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 320 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 2001 BMW 320. 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2001 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | 320 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 63 L |
