2004 BMW 320 vs. 1997 Buick Century
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Century (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 30 kg more than 2004 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 320 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 2004 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2004 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1997 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 320 | Century |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
