1997 Buick Century vs. 2013 BMW X5
To start off, 2013 BMW X5 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 X5 (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW X5 weights approximately 730 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 2013 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW X5 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, 2013 BMW X5 (407 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 2013 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | X5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| 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 | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2197 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2933 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 85 L |
