1997 Buick Century vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 84 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
