1997 Buick Century vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 4,920 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (309 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 885 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 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (750 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 499 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 4920 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 750 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 90 L |
