1997 Buick Century vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 11 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 175 kg more than 1997 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Century | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
