1997 Buick Century vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo 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 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 82 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (83 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2009 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (121 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2009 Smart ForTwo has manual transmission. 2009 Smart ForTwo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Buick | Smart |
| Model | Century | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 33 L |
