1999 Buick Century vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 13 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, 1999 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2012 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Century weights approximately 100 kg more than 2012 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 118 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 118. 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, 2012 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Century | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | 118 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 51 L |
