1997 Buick Century vs. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 58 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Buick | Suzuki |
| Model | Century | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 66 L |
