2006 BMW 550 vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 28 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 295 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 550 | Century |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 3788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
