1998 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Buick Century
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 316 (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Century weights approximately 180 kg more than 1998 BMW 316.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1981 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1981 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 316 | Century |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
