1997 Buick Century vs. 2009 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2009 Toyota RAV4 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, 2009 Toyota RAV4 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 164 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 2009 Toyota RAV4 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, 2009 Toyota RAV4 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota RAV4. (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota RAV4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2009 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Century | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
