2009 BMW 118 vs. 1981 Buick Century
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 118 (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1981 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 118 | Century |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2760 mm |
