1997 Buick Century vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 61 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1997 Buick Century.
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, both vehicles can yield 251 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Century | T5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
