1997 Buick Century vs. 2011 Opel Astra
To start off, 2011 Opel Astra 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, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2011 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2011 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 122 kg more than 2011 Opel Astra. 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, 2011 Opel Astra (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2011 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Century | Astra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 52 L |
