1997 Buick Century vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 16 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 65 kg more than 2013 BMW 1 Series.
Because 2013 BMW 1 Series 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 2013 BMW 1 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 1 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 1 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.7 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 53 L |
