1997 Buick Century vs. 2002 Lexus SC
To start off, 2002 Lexus SC is newer by 5 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 4,291 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus SC (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus SC weights approximately 220 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 2002 Lexus SC 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 2002 Lexus SC. 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, 2002 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2002 Lexus SC | |
| Make | Buick | Lexus |
| Model | Century | SC |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 4291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 278 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 66 L |
