1997 Buick Century vs. 2011 Ford E-350
To start off, 2011 Ford E-350 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford E-350 weights approximately 1021 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 Ford E-350 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 Ford E-350. 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 Ford E-350 (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2011 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Century | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 2126 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3505 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 125 L |
