2009 BMW 116 vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 2009 BMW 116 is newer by 31 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 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 116 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 110 kg more than 2009 BMW 116.
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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 116. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 116 | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 116 | Century |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
