2008 BMW X3 vs. 1999 Buick Century
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 9 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 3 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (162 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1999 Buick Century.
Because 2008 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Buick Century. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 BMW X3 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Buick Century. 1999 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW X3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW X3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1999 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | X3 | Century |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 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 | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
