1978 Buick Regal vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Regal would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 318 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 318 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1978 Buick Regal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 BMW 318 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Regal. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Regal | 318 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2810 mm |
