1973 BMW 3 vs. 1978 Buick Regal
To start off, 1978 Buick Regal is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (90 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 160 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (224 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1978 Buick Regal | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | 3 | Regal |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2750 mm |
