1997 Buick Century vs. 2011 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac STS is newer by 14 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac STS weights approximately 282 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 2011 Cadillac STS 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 2011 Cadillac STS. 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, 2011 Cadillac STS (368 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2011 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Century | STS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 368 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1802 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2957 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 64 L |
