1997 Buick Century vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda 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, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2012 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 555 kg more than 2012 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat Panda. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2012 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2012 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Buick | Fiat |
| Model | Century | Panda |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 30 L |
