1999 Buick Century vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1999 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1999 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 520 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 2009 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Century | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3134 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
