USA vs USA — 1963 vs 1936
| Wildcat 455 Stage 1 | Century Banker's Hot Rod Straight-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 370 hp | 141 hp |
| Torque | 510 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,457 cc | 5,247 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.5 sec | 19.5 sec |
| Weight | 4,200 lbs | 3,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,124 mm | 3,124 mm |
| Length | 5,562 mm | 5,055 mm |
| Original MSRP | $3,900 | $1,135 |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $110,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
On balance, the 1963 Buick Wildcat 455 Stage 1 makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1936 Buick Century Banker's Hot Rod Straight-8 counters with lighter weight, stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1963 Buick Wildcat 455 Stage 1 for outright capability, or the 1936 Buick Century Banker's Hot Rod Straight-8 for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Buick has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1963 Buick Wildcat 455 Stage 1 with the 1936 Buick Century Banker's Hot Rod Straight-8 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1963 Buick Wildcat 455 Stage 1 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 370 hp compared to 141 hp, a 229-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Buick Wildcat uses a V8 OHV displacing 7,457 cc, while the Buick Century relies on a Inline-8 OHV (Buick 320) with 5,247 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Buick Wildcat 455 Stage 1 edges ahead at 6.5 seconds versus 14.0 seconds. The Buick Century carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 400 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.