1979 Buick Regal vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Regal would be higher. At 4,348 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 318 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Buick Regal. (119 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Regal.
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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Regal. (285 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Regal. 1979 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Regal | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Regal | 318 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4348 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 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 |
