1997 Buick Century vs. 2011 Kia Optima
To start off, 2011 Kia Optima 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Optima (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Optima weights approximately 63 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Optima. (209 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Century | 2011 Kia Optima | |
Make | Buick | Kia |
Model | Century | Optima |
Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 209 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1583 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4844 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1831 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1455 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2797 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 65 L |