1997 Buick Century vs. 2002 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster 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 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 84 more horse power than 2002 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 635 kg more than 2002 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Smart Roadster 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 Smart Roadster. 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 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart Roadster. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2002 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2002 Smart Roadster 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 | 2002 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Buick | Smart |
| Model | Century | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
