1997 Buick Century vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 6 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 8 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 460 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda 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 2003 Mazda 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 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 | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Century | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 48 L |
