1997 Buick Century vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 15 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 585 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 2012 Alpina B7 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 2012 Alpina B7. 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 448 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Buick | Alpina |
| Model | Century | B7 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3211 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 82 L |
