1997 Buick Century vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 47 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 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. 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, both vehicles can yield 251 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Buick | Lexus |
| Model | Century | IS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 65 L |
