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Buick Century 3.1 V6 (162 Hp)
Overall Rating
Buick Century:
Buick Century is the model name that was used by Buick for a line of upscale full-size cars from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 1958, as well as from 1973 to 2005 for mid-size cars.
The first Buick Century debuted as the Series 60 then renamed in 1936 as a shorter and lighter model featuring the same engine as the bigger Roadmaster and Limited series giving it more performance while using the shorter wheelbase body of the Buick Special. During the 1930s and 1940s it was Buick's companion to the top level Roadmaster and was offered as a 2-door and 4-door sedan and convertible. The Century name was used on six generations of cars of varying sizes as well as performance and trim levels. In 1969, Buick developed a concept car known as the Century Cruiser. In the 1970s, the Century Regal became a separate model and market positioning between the two products changed from year to year depending on sales. The Century was updated to front wheel drive in 1982 and was Buick's 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and station wagon, with regular updates and feature upgrades as customer preferences changed over time....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Century Overview:
Buick Century (Century). With 251 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1392 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
The 1994 Buick Century generation was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP testing in 1997, and as a primarily North American market vehicle, it was not subjected to these specific European safety assessments.
3.1 V6 (162 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for daily driving and comfortable highway cruising, though it's not designed for spirited acceleration. The V6 provides smooth, predictable performance.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is moderate for a mid-90s V6, with urban consumption around 11.8 l/100 km. It's acceptable for its class but not particularly efficient by modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable and smooth ride quality
- • Spacious interior for passengers and cargo
- • Generally reliable V6 engine (3.1L)
- • Good value on the used car market
- • Simple, straightforward maintenance
Cons:
- • Dated exterior and interior styling
- • Unengaging driving dynamics, soft handling
- • Fuel economy of the V6 can be high
- • Some common issues like intake manifold gaskets on V6
- • Lack of advanced safety features (common for its era)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Century: 1993 - 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Buick |
| Model: | Century |
| Generation: | Century |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.1 V6 (162 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 162 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.7 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 251 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L82 More details about the engine L82 |
| Engine displacement: | 3135 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.2 l |
| Coolant: | 11 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.6 kg/Hp, 116.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 180.3 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1392 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4803 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1762 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1364 mm mm [13mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2664 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1492 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1442 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/75 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Buick Century!