2009 BMW 130 vs. 1997 Buick Century
To start off, 2009 BMW 130 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 130 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 70 kg more than 2009 BMW 130.
Because 2009 BMW 130 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 130. 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, 2009 BMW 130 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 130 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 130 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 130 | 1997 Buick Century | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 130 | Century |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 64 L |
