2005 Buick Century vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2005 Buick Century is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2005 Buick Century. (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Buick Century weights approximately 115 kg more than 2001 BMW Z3.
Because 2001 BMW Z3 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 2001 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Buick Century. (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Buick Century. 2005 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Buick Century | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Century | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 51 L |
