1997 Buick Century vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 12 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 554 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer 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 2009 Ford Explorer. 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Century | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 85 L |
