Buick Century W 3.1 i 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)
W Overview:
Buick Century (W). With 251 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1515 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.2 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Buick Century (W) generation was primarily designed for the North American market and was not evaluated by Euro NCAP. Safety ratings from other regional bodies may exist, but are not requested here.
3.1 i V6 (162 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for daily commuting and highway cruising, delivering smooth acceleration without being particularly sporty. The 9.2-second 0-100 km/h time is respectable for its class and era.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is average for a V6 sedan of its time, with urban consumption around 11.8 l/100 km and extra-urban at 8.1 l/100 km. Not class-leading, but acceptable.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Smooth and comfortable ride quality
- • Spacious interior and large trunk
- • Generally reliable V6 engines
- • Affordable on the used car market
- • Simple and straightforward mechanics
Cons:
- • Uninspired handling and steering feel
- • Interior design can feel dated
- • Fuel economy is only average for its class
- • Lacks modern safety and tech features
- • Not a performance-oriented vehicle
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Wagon: 1994 - 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Buick |
| Model: | Century |
| Generation: | W |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.1 i V6 (162 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 162 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 51.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 251 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L82 [Same engine] More details about the engine L82 |
| Engine displacement: | 3136 |
| 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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 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 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.4 kg/Hp, 106.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6 kg/Nm, 165.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1515 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 475 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4790 mm [61mm less] |
| Width: | 1850 mm [88mm more] |
| Height: | 1440 mm [63mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2770 mm [106mm more] |
| Front track: | 1570 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1560 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |


























Is the Buick Century worth every penny? Give us your honest ROI.