2001 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 226 kg more than 1978 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 320 | Century |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2760 mm |
