1998 Buick Century vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1998 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1998 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 640 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 2012 BMW 640. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Century | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | 640 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
