2009 BMW 120 vs. 1997 Buick Century
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 135 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1997 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 120 | Century |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 64 L |
