1997 Buick Century vs. 2005 Kia Spectra
To start off, 2005 Kia Spectra is newer by 8 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 27 more horse power than 2005 Kia Spectra. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Spectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 238 kg more than 2005 Kia Spectra. 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 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Spectra. (184 Nm). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Spectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2005 Kia Spectra | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Century | Spectra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1282 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
