1997 Buick Century vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century.
Because 2012 BMW 530 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 BMW 530. 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 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | 530 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
