1997 Buick Century vs. 2001 BMW Z8
To start off, 2001 BMW Z8 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 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z8 weights approximately 65 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 Z8 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 Z8. 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, 2001 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW Z8 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 | 2001 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 21.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 14.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 73 L |
