1997 Buick Century vs. 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 7 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 25 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 333 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. (203 Nm). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Century | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1187 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 53 L |
