1997 Buick Century vs. 2007 Alpina D3
To start off, 2007 Alpina D3 is newer by 10 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 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Alpina D3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alpina D3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alpina D3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 70 kg more than 2007 Alpina D3.
Because 2007 Alpina D3 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 2007 Alpina D3. 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, 2007 Alpina D3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Alpina D3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2007 Alpina D3 | |
| Make | Buick | Alpina |
| Model | Century | D3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 63 L |
